Bhubaneswar: Empanelled artists of the civic body have begun beautifying the walls of the Odisha capital with a fresh coat of paint, an endevour to present the rich cultural heritage of the state.
The drive is being undertaken with an eye on the upcoming Pro Hockey League in 2020 and Woman FIFA World Cup (U-17).
The artists had converted the emerging ‘Sports Capital’ of India into a city of mural during the Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup. These, however, were damaged in heavy rain and strong winds triggered by cyclone FANI in May this year.
The walls in the city from Jaydev Vihar Square to the Airport, Rasulgarh, Kalpana Square, Acharaya Vihar, AG Square, Raj Bhavan Square and vicinity of Kalinga Stadium were painted with graffiti depicting traditional art, culture, dance, music of the state. Noted personalities of Odisha, along with national and international level sportspersons, also graced the walls in the city.
The tourists and players, who visited city during the world cup, were all praise for the paintings that celebrated the rich heritage and people of the state.
In 2017, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation had taken up a similar drive during the Asian Athletics Championship. The city walls were painted with graffiti and portraits of eminent sportspersons. Urban dynamics of the state capital found place on the walls of the city junctions and flyovers.