Bhubaneswar: The sixth day of the ‘Odia Pakhya’ festival saw citizens and officials come together for a massive cleanliness drive (Swachhata Abhiyaan) across the state. The initiative, organised under the guidance of the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, focused on promoting public participation in maintaining clean and healthy surroundings.
In Bhubaneswar, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) organised the “Swachh Odisha Divas” program at key locations including Lingaraj Temple, Khandagiri, Udayagiri, Jagannath Temple at Patia, Nandankanan, Baramunda Bus Stand, and Bhubaneswar Railway Station. Mayor Sulochana Das personally took part in the cleaning activities at Lingaraj Temple, calling on citizens to contribute to a “Swachh Odisha, Sundar Odisha.” She also emphasised the importance of collective efforts to ensure a clean city. “We will remain committed to creating a clean environment and keeping Bhubaneswar tidy,” Mayor Das said.
The campaign saw active participation from over 400 citizens and sanitation workers. BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana, members of the Standing Committee, and corporators also joined the initiative. Similarly, a “Swachhata Abhiyaan” program was held at Dhauli Shanti Stupa, led by Group Development Officer Debi Prasad Mohanty and Assistant Director of Tourism Anjan Kumar Barik.
Cleanliness drives were simultaneously conducted across all district headquarters, municipal corporations, municipalities, notified area councils, and blocks of the state. The campaign covered major temples, historical and cultural sites, swimming pools, and public areas.
The festival will continue tomorrow with the seventh day being celebrated as “Shishu Katha Diwas,” marking the final day of the Odia Pakhya celebrations.
