Bhubaneswar: In a move to redefine Odisha’s tourism narrative, the Tourism Department on Wednesday unveiled its new brand positioning and tagline, “Think India, Think Odisha.” The step marks a decisive shift towards positioning Odisha as a dynamic, experience-driven global destination.
Aligned with the State’s long-term vision under Vision of Samrudh Odisha 2036 and Vision of Vikshit Bharat 2047, the rebranding signals Odisha’s transition from being a hidden gem to a confident, globally competitive tourism hub.
The new tagline was formally launched alongside the announcement of the OMC Puri Coastal Marathon (OPCM), a first-of-its-kind international sporting event aimed at strengthening Odisha’s footprint in sports and experiential tourism.
The event was held in the presence of Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, local MLAs, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism Balwant Singh, along with senior government officials, distinguished guests, and key stakeholders from the tourism and sports ecosystem.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy CM emphasised that Odisha is steadily evolving into a high-performance tourism economy, driven by strategic branding, infrastructure development, and immersive visitor experiences. The new tagline reflects a bold and aspirational identity that invites the world to explore India through Odisha’s rich cultural, spiritual, and natural offerings.
The event was preceded by a ceremonial launch run, witnessing enthusiastic participation from fitness enthusiasts and the local community. A striking sand art installation created by international sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik at Blue Flag Beach unveiled the official OPCM marathon logo, symbolizing the confluence of Odisha’s heritage and its vibrant coastal identity.
The first edition of OMC Puri Coastal Marathon is scheduled to be held on December 13, and with a total prize pool of more than Rs 1 crore, it is positioned among the most competitive running events in the country. Designed to attract elite athletes, amateur runners, and international participants, the marathon offers a unique running experience along Puri’s scenic coastline with starting 6 KM run on golden sand. The event will feature multiple race categories, including Full Marathon (42 km), Half Marathon (21 km), 10 km, and 5 km, ensuring inclusive participation.
As part of the launch, the official marathon website was also unveiled, and registrations are now open. Participants from across India and abroad can register starting today, to be part of this landmark international event.
As renowned globally for the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri offers a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and natural beauty. The marathon logo draws inspiration from iconic elements of Odisha, including the Patita Pavana Bana of Shree Jagannatha Temple, The Konark Chakra, and the waves of the Bay of Bengal, reflecting motion, energy, and the State’s distinctive coastal character.
