Bhubaneswar: Sunday, December 18, was memorable for 80 odd guests who gathered on the lawn of Mukteswar-Siddheswar Temple complex. The day was historic too because it was the 100th edition of Ekamra Walks, the first guided heritage trail of the city.
The ambience matched the celebratory mood. When the guests — old and new walkers — stepped on the morning sun-kissed lawn of the temple complex, they had all smiles and their body language indicated their delight of being proud participants of a memorable centennial journey which started way back in 2016 on December 18 from the 10th century monument.
Years have passed and there are several changes in the Capital City, especially in the Old Town area, but the Heritage Walk participants who are arriving from various parts of the world have always put their preferences first, i.e. rediscovering the legends behind the beautiful monuments, the traditional narrow lanes, skills in the local craftsmen and the old charm of a bygone era.
Meanwhile, the Ekamra Walks have unfolded into different territories like Jain Trail in Khandagiri and Udayagiri and Museum Walk in Kala Bhoomi. Now, another one is being readied with the Streets of Ekamra unveiling the aroma and food specialties of the Ekamra Kshetra and its other living traditions.
From Gyanpith award winning author to the Mayor of Cupertino city, to the topnotch editor of a national Hindi television channel, journalists from international media houses, Dutch Royals and celebrated artists and dancers from across the globe and noted travel writers from Europe, the heritage platform has attracted one and all and received rave reviews.
Sunday’s experience, however, was overwhelming as the visitors got to know the traditional food cooked in Ananta Vasudev Temple, the old women observing ‘Ananta Vrat’ in the month of Kartik and one worshipper explaining the philosophy behind these religious observations and how and why they are celebrated.
“We never have this observation only for the well-being of our families or kin, but the traditional observations during the month of Kartik were to pray for the well-being of our entire society and the entire world. We believe in the great philosophy of Hinduism i.e. ‘Vasudheiba Kutumbakam’ or the world is one family,’’ explained an old lady to the visiting tourists inside the 12th century Anantavasudeva Temple on the eastern banks of holy Bindusagar lake.
The visitors also had a memorable experience of an Odissi recital by the disciples of noted Guru Ileana Citaristi at her dance institute Art Vision on the western bank of Bindusagar near the medicinal plant garden Ekamra Van.
The students of Art Vision performed Srita Kamala Kucha Mandala from the famous Sanskrit work Gitagovinda by poet Jayadev and an Odia poem Sajani budigali mu lajare, both displaying the various leelas of Lord Krishna. The second one depicted beautifully how the protagonist (Radha) blushes and tells her friend regarding the leela of Lord Krishna.
Amy, an audiologist from Britain, who is currently working as a guest faculty at city-based Institute of Health Sciences, said: The experience was great and especially the 100th edition of Ekamra Walks was fabulous.’’
Manisha Manaswini, a trained Odissi dancer and also an Assistant Professor with KIIT Law School under KIIT University, said: “I had come once to the Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves, but today’s experience was unique and memorable. Though I belong to the city and have visited the Old Town temples earlier, the crocodile and monkey story on the walls of Mukteswar or the Sahasra Lingam in Parasurameswar was never known to me.’’
Chung-min-Shu, originally from South Korea but a German national married to Odia Priscilla said: “The entire culture of the city, especially Old Town, is unique and I love it.’’