Bhubaneswar: A group of prominent social media influencers and content creators from 10 Asian nations wrapped up a four-day journey through Odisha, discovering the state’s profound cultural depth, ancient craftsmanship, and forward-looking development initiatives.
The visit concluded on Sunday.
The delegation, comprising around 22 travel vloggers, food and lifestyle influencers, wellness bloggers, history enthusiasts, and documentary filmmakers from Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, arrived in Bhubaneswar on April 16. The familiarisation tour was organised by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and facilitated by the Department of Information and Public Relations (I&PR) of the Odisha government.
Their itinerary offered a well-rounded blend of Odisha’s rich historical legacy and contemporary progress. The group began by exploring the historic Khandagiri–Udayagiri Caves, 2nd-century BCE rock-cut monuments that provided insights into the ancient Kalinga region, Jain monastic traditions, and exquisite rock-cut architecture. The serene hills and intricate carvings offered a tangible connection to Odisha’s spiritual past.
At the state-of-the-art World Skill Cente
r in Bhubaneswar, the influencers witnessed advanced, internationally aligned training programmes in hospitality, construction, mechatronics, and other sectors. They actively participated in virtual reality simulations, beauty and wellness sessions, and hands-on mechatronics demonstrations, highlighting Odisha’s investment in building a skilled, future-ready workforce.
A cultural highlight was the visit to Raghurajpur Heritage Crafts Village in Puri district, often described as a living museum where every home serves as an artisan’s workshop. The delegation interacted closely with master craftsmen, witnessing live demonstrations of vibrant Pattachitra paintings—a traditional art form dating back centuries—and delicate palm-leaf engravings. Many tried their hand at these techniques, gaining a deeper appreciation for the preservation and vibrant practice of Odisha’s intangible heritage.
The tour culminated at the iconic Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its chariot-shaped architecture, intricate stone carvings depicting mythological scenes, daily life, and celestial motifs, and its enduring legacy of Sun worship. Visitors were awestruck by the grandeur and engineering marvel of the 13th-century structure.
The influencers described the experience as “highly enriching and unforgettable.” They praised Odisha’s warm hospitality, the friendliness of its people, the flavours of its traditional cuisine, and the seamless fusion of ancient heritage with modern development. Many expressed a strong desire to return and create more content showcasing the state to their followers across Asia and beyond.