Bhubaneswar: To facilitate the visit of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) attending the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Odisha, the State Museum will extend its operating hours to 9 pm. Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj made an announcement in this regard.
The Minister said that the State Museum will remain open till 9 pm till January 12. Normally, the museum remains open till 5:30 pm.
It is pertinent to mention that the state government has planned various cultural programmes in Bhubaneswar and Puri for the entertainment of NRIs. For the first time, homestay arrangements have been made for the guests, where they will be accommodated in Odia households. As many as 280 registrations have been received for this initiative.
This unique ‘homestay’ initiative aims to provide a homely experience to the guests, making them feel completely secure. Besides, guides have been appointed to brief the guests about the tourist destinations in Hindi, English, and Odia. The guests will visit 31 tourist destinations, said sources.
Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Bhubaneswar on the evening of January 8 and attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 9 while President Droupadi Murmu will arrive on January 10.
