Ekamra Utsav 2026: Bhubaneswar's Grand Cultural Celebration
January 2026 (Early Jan)IDCO Ground + 5 City Parks10–13 Days · Right in Bhubaneswar
Season
January 2026
Duration
10–13 Days
Main Venue
IDCO Expo Ground
Park Utsav
5 City Parks
Night Market
4 PM – 11 PM
Travel Effort
Zero — in city!
What is Ekamra Utsav?
Ekamra Utsav is Bhubaneswar's most beloved city festival — a 10 to 13-day multidisciplinary celebration held every January at the IDCO Exhibition Ground and across five iconic parks. Organised by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), it is a joyful showcase of Odia language, heritage, food, textile, handicrafts, classical and folk dance, and music all under one spirited roof.
The name 'Ekamra' comes from a mythological legend: Lord Shiva, on the advice of Naradamuni, chose a mango-tree-filled forest called Ekamra Kanan as his meditative abode — the same sacred land where he is worshipped today as Lingaraj. The festival honours that deep cultural and spiritual identity of the city. January is the perfect time to plan your Bhubaneswar trip — cool weather, zero rain, and a city buzzing with culture.
What's On at Ekamra Utsav
Ekamra Haat
Night flea market (4–11 PM) at Ekamra Expo Area with clothing, handcraft, organic food and local startups.
Ama Byanjan Food Fest
Authentic Odia recipes — Pakhala, Dalma, Santula, Chhena Poda. Also north Indian, south Indian & international cuisines at IDCO Ground.
Park Utsav
Live performances each evening across 5 illuminated parks — IG Park, Buddha Park, Forest Park, Madhusudan & Abdul Kalam Park.
Lok Utsav
Chhau dance, Sambalpuri, Ghoda Nach, Paika Akhada martial dance, puppet shows, and street carnival celebrating Odia language.
Ekamra Walks
Heritage walking trails through Bhubaneswar's temple city — 3-hour curated walks. Book separately at ₹100 per trail.
Drone Show
200+ drones paint Odia art, letters, and cultural motifs across the Bhubaneswar night sky — a spectacular 3-night spectacle.
Sample 3-Day Ekamra Utsav Itinerary
Day 1
Temple Heritage & Park Utsav Evening
Morning: Lingaraj Temple & Bindu Sagar → Rajarani Temple → Mukteswar Temple · Afternoon: Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves · Evening: Park Utsav at IG Park + dinner at Food Festival IDCO Ground
Day 2
Ekamra Walks + Handloom Exhibition + Night Market
Morning: Ekamra Heritage Walk (3 hrs, book in advance) · Afternoon: Handloom & handicraft exhibition at IDCO Ground · Evening: Lok Utsav — Chhau & Sambalpuri dance · Night: Ekamra Haat flea market
Most events including Park Utsav, food festival, and cultural shows are free. The Ekamra Walks require a ₹100 booking per trail type. Some special performances at IDCO Ground may have nominal entry fees.
What Odia food should I absolutely try?
Don't miss Pakhala (fermented rice with curd), Dalma (lentils with vegetables), Chhena Poda (Odisha's original cheesecake), and Rasgolla — claimed to originate in Odisha. All available at the Ama Byanjan food festival at IDCO Ground.
What souvenirs should I buy at the Haat?
Sambalpuri and Ikat handloom textiles, silver filigree Tarakasi jewellery, Pattachitra paintings on cloth or palm leaf, and Dhokra tribal brass figurines are the most distinctive Odia crafts to take home.
How do I get around Bhubaneswar during the festival?
The IDCO Ground, parks, and most temples are spread across the city — a self drive car is the most convenient way to hop between venues at your own pace. Book a Drigo self drive car in Bhubaneswar from ₹2,000/day.
Explore Bhubaneswar During Ekamra Utsav
Hop between parks, temples, and the night market at your own pace — in a self drive car from Drigo. From ₹2,000/day, no driver needed.