Bhubaneswar: The long wait for a light and sound show at the historic Khandagiri and Udayagiri Jain heritage sites in Bhubaneswar is likely to end soon.
According to sources, major groundwork has been completed along with a successful trial run. The project now awaits only the final power connection to open to the public. The show, featuring advanced lighting and sound technology, will be conducted in front of Rani Gumpha at Udayagiri Hill, with visual projections on rock surfaces showcasing the rich heritage of the Khandagiri–Udayagiri caves.
Udayagiri, Konark and Dhauli hills were the three places where India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) was to execute the light and sound systems. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) gave its approval in 2013 following which the Union Tourism Ministry sanctioned Rs 5 crore each for the three destinations.
In 2015, the state tourism department started the light and sound show at the peace pagoda at Dhauli, where a bitter battle was fought between the Mauryan emperor Ashoka and the ruler of Kalinga (the earlier name of Odisha). The 35-minute light and sound show in English, Hindi and Odia at Konark was inaugurated in September 2017, but later suspended over the quality of the light and sound systems.
The delay at Udayagiri despite the project being completed in December 2023 has been attributed to lack of electricity connection. This not only drew criticism from locals but also led to vegetation overgrowth at the site.
The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) will cover maintenance and electricity costs for five years, with ticket revenue split 60:40 between ITDC and ASI.
An Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) official stated that all remaining work should be completed within 15 days, with the show expected to launch for tourists by the end of 2025, adding a new attraction to Odisha’s capital.
