Light and Sound show Programme at Udayagiri ad Khandagiri

The proposal for light and sound show at the historic monument of Udayagiri and Khandagiri Jain heritage sites in 2005 has finally approved and a MoU was signed^[1] between Tourism Department Govt. of Odisha and ITDC for show at Udayagiri-Khandagiri on November 12, 2013. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had given its conditional consent subject to the plan and design of the project and the Centre sanctioned Rs.5 crore. The process of jotting down scripts, highlighting the legends and other historic significance of the destinations for recording has been completed.

Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan’s voice recorded for narration of the historical importance of the hills and a Kolkata-based firm was carried out the installation^[2]. But, the project attempted by tourism to introduce light and sound systems at Udayagiri and Khandagiri hills could not go ahead because of ASI’s objections^[3]. ASI was apprehensive about defacement of the monuments due to the fitting of fixtures, sound boxes and equipment to the walls of the age-old heritage structure which did not go with the ethics of the monument. The project caused severe damage to the historic site due to digging of the floor and walls of the caves for wiring.

After being put on the backburner for years, the sound and light show at the historic site twin hills at Udayagiri and Khandagiri of the state has finally come to the fast-track. The state tourism department once again signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) for execution of light and sound shows at Khadagiri-Udayagiri twin hills on 21^st October, 2014 to use the latest technology which would ensure that no damage is caused to the age-old structure^[4]. Experts of IIT-Kharagpur conducted a survey and found that the upgraded light show would not harm the monuments^[5]. The project will use state-of-the-art technology to highlight the legends and stories. Each sound and light show would be played for at least 30 minutes. The show at Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves will highlight emperor Kharavela’s rule and achievement. Efforts are on to rope in noted personalities like Javed Akhtar, Om Puri, Suresh Oberoi and Naseeruddin Shah to give their ‘voice-over’ for the show. The 30-minute shows in English, Hindi and Odia for narration is being completed by ITDC in consultation with the state tourism department^[6].

This project shall help to promote Udayagiri and Khandagiri among the Jains, historians and interested people and expected to draw more visitors. Light and sound shows at various historic places across the country played a vital role in attracting tourists, especially after sunset. ITDC’s light and sound division has already developed similar programmes at 40 historic monuments across the country^[7]. The sites visited by domestic and international tourists have immense historical significance. The projects will showcase the history and culture of Odisha. The project is likely to be commissioned shortly.

 

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Web supplement: www.odishatoday.com, “Odisha signs MoU for light & sound show at Khandagiri-Udayagiri, Dhauli, Sun Temple”, visited on 24/02/2015, 6.11pm.

[2]:

Ibid.

[3]:

Ibid.

[4]:

Web supplement: www.business-standard.com, “Pact with ITDC for light and sound shows at heritage sites”, visited on 21/10/2014, 20.17pm.

[5]:

Web supplement: www.discoverbhubaneswar.com, “Light & Sound Show to Boost Tourism at Khandagiri and Udayagiri”, visited on 12/11/2013, 6.11pm.

[6]:

Web supplement: Times of India News (TNN), “Odisha Govt. signs MoU for sound & light shows,” visited on 22/10/ 2014, 01.37 pm.

[7]:

The Telegraph, “History retold in sound and light-ITDC and Odisha tourism propose shows at three sites”, by B. Barik, 16/02/2014.