Bhubaneswar: The Fit India Carnival–2026 will be organised in Puri district from March 15 to 17, 2026, as a joint initiative of the Sports Authority of India and the Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha. In this regard, a review meeting was held at the regional office of the Sports Authority of India in Kolkata under the chairmanship of Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.
During the meeting, the Minister reviewed preparations for the upcoming carnival. The program is being organised under the Fit India Mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the objective of promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among citizens.
The three-day event will involve youth, women, senior citizens, volunteers from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS), self-help groups, and members of various communities.
Several activities will be conducted during the carnival. Morning sessions at Puri Beach will include yoga, pranayama, walkathons, marathons, and sporting events such as athletics, football, Zumba, aerobics, and volleyball. Special arrangements, such as a Kids’ Zone and Women’s Wellness Zone, will be set up for women and children. To promote physical and mental well-being, an AYUSH Wellness Centre and group meditation sessions will also be organised.
Evening programs will feature cultural and fitness-related events, including performances of traditional arts such as Gotipua dance and Mallakhamb, a fitness fashion walk, cultural performances, and an open-mic session on fitness stories.
Speaking on the occasion, Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said that, for the first time in Odisha, the Fit India Carnival will be organised in Puri under the Fit India Mission. He emphasised that adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential for maintaining both physical and mental fitness. The event will also showcase Odisha’s rich art and cultural heritage through cultural performances.
He further stated that all administrative and logistical arrangements have been completed to ensure the successful conduct of the carnival. Expressing optimism, he hoped that people from Puri district, as well as from across Odisha, would actively participate and make the event a grand success.
During his visit, the Minister also held discussions with officials of the Sports Authority of India on strengthening sports infrastructure in Odisha. He later inspected the facilities at the regional office and interacted with athletes. The meeting was attended by Shivanandan Mishra, Regional Director (East) of the Sports Authority of India, along with other senior officials.
