BHUBANESWAR: Bhubaneswar Art Trail, the biggest contemporary art initiative in the city, has been inaugurated here Sunday.
“We all know Ekamrakshetra as a temple city but from today a new chapter has been added to it and the city has a new identity,” announced CM Naveen Patnaik in his inaugural speech at Bhubaneswar art trail in Guajhar, Sunday.
He said, “This beautiful art work will help attract more tourists to the shaiba kshetra and denizens will enjoy the brilliant art work in display here. This will also be an added attraction for the upcoming Hockey World Cup.”
Patnaik officially inaugurated the trail along with the inauguration of Bindu Sagar light and sound project. He viewed diverse art works and later inaugurated the new market complex at Old town. A short movie on Bhubaneswar art trail was also showcased on the occasion. Sports and youth minister Chandra Sarathi Behera stressed on the need to preserve the art trail to enhance Ekamrakshetra’s rustic beauty. He said, “The upcoming Hockey World Cup will attract many visitors and we can proudly show them our culture and heritage depicted through these magnanimous art works.” Commissioner cum secretary of tourism department Vishal Dev said, “Bhubaneswar art trail is a symbol of unity in diversity. It showcases diverse artistes working to preserve environment, humanity and brotherhood.”
All the artistes were felicitated at the new market complex for their engaging artworks as a tribute to the temple city. A dance performance Ananya Odisha was presented by Guru Aruna Mohanty and her troupe. What attracted the trail the most is Wheel of Tradition and faith installation by artist Arun Kumar H.G. The artist portrayed the faith of devotees in a tree and how a tree can save lives while augmenting the environment.
The artworks of Pratap Chandra Jena along with co-artist Smrutikanta Rout attracted huge crowds as their collaborated work kortitirtha kudua and Bamboo installations spread the message of not polluting Bindu Sagar Lake with waste. Sudarshan Shetty’s work Shadow city – A life after showcased Bamboo skeletal work through use of rice. It showed rice as a common ingredient to feed people as well as its usage in death rituals.
The trail was thrown open to the public Sunday. Thousands turned out on the inaugural day to witness exceptional art works and to enjoy the light and sound programme near Bindusagar Lake which was inaugurated on the same day. Vineel Krishna MD of Odisha Mining Corporation, CMD of Nalco T K Chand, MP Prassanna Pattsani and Minister of culture Ashok Chandra Panda were also present at the event. The vote of thanks was proposed by project director of BAT 2018 Sukanya Rath.