By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM|Landmark World Tourism Day initiative adds a new dimension to Bhubaneswar’s heritage tourism landscape

Bhubaneswar witnessed a significant addition to its heritage tourism offerings on World Tourism Day 2026 with the inauguration of a new Sound & Light Show at the historic Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves. The immersive tourism experience was inaugurated by Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida in the presence of senior officials, tourism stakeholders and officials of the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC). During the landmark event, ITDC Managing Director Mugdha Sinha, IAS, felicitated the Deputy Chief Minister.

Mounted by ITDC in collaboration with the Odisha Tourism Department, the project seeks to present the rich history and cultural legacy associated with the ancient cave complex through a contemporary audio-visual experience. The initiative brings together storytelling, sound, lighting and visual presentation to create a more engaging way for visitors to experience the heritage of the site.

The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves occupy a distinctive place in Odisha’s historical and cultural landscape. Located near Bhubaneswar, the caves are associated with Jain heritage and the reign of King Kharavela. Odisha Tourism describes them as ancient rock-cut caves reflecting the influence of Buddhism and Jainism, while also highlighting their importance as a major heritage attraction in the state.

The new Sound & Light Show provides an opportunity to interpret this heritage through immersive storytelling, allowing visitors to connect the physical monument with the historical narratives associated with it. Such presentations can also help make heritage destinations more accessible to younger audiences and visitors seeking experiential forms of tourism.

For ITDC, the Udayagiri–Khandagiri project represents another extension of its role in tourism-related project execution and the mounting of Sound & Light Shows. The public sector undertaking, under the administrative control of the Ministry of Tourism, has diversified beyond its traditional hospitality activities into consultancy, tourism and engineering projects, event management and Sound & Light Shows.

ITDC has established experience in developing multimedia-based heritage presentations, with its Sound & Light division undertaking projects designed to combine historical narratives with modern audio-visual technology. The Corporation also identifies production of films, audio-visuals and Sound & Light Shows among its tourism-promotion services.

The inauguration on World Tourism Day gives the project added significance. With heritage tourism increasingly moving towards experiences that combine conservation, interpretation and technology, the Udayagiri–Khandagiri show seeks to create a bridge between Odisha’s ancient legacy and contemporary visitors.

The presence of the Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and senior ITDC officials at the inauguration underlined the collaborative nature of the initiative. The felicitation of Pravati Parida by ITDC Managing Director Mugdha Sinha also marked the occasion as an important moment in the continuing efforts to promote Odisha’s tourism potential.

The project is expected to add a new evening attraction to Bhubaneswar’s tourism circuit while strengthening the city’s position as a gateway to Odisha’s diverse heritage. More importantly, by presenting an ancient site through modern storytelling and technology, the initiative demonstrates how India’s historical assets can be interpreted in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences.

The Udayagiri–Khandagiri Sound & Light Show thus represents more than a new visitor attraction. It is an effort to make history experiential—bringing the stories embedded in Odisha’s ancient caves closer to a new generation while reinforcing the importance of heritage as a central component of tourism development.

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