Odisha Tourism Dept changes Dhauli Light & Sound Show Timing

Bhubaneswar, Nov 3: Odisha Tourism department has changed the timing of the Light & Sound Show at Dhauli,  popularly known as Dhauli Giri – (Giri means hill) a famous tourist destination in Odisha, with effect from November 15.

As per the new timings, the shows will be held at 6 pm and 6:45 pm instead of 7 pm and 7:45 pm, current timing of the shows, respectively. However, there will be no change in the duration of the show which is 35 minutes of duration. The tourism department has changed the timing for winter season to attract more tourists to the show.

The officials said that during the winter season the tourist footfall is expected to rise at Dhauli. The department has decided to put a light and music fountain on Dhauli road in order to boost the tourist footfall in the state.

Notably, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had inaugurated the Light & Sound Show at Dhauli in Bhubaneswar on August 7.  The show speaks of the glory and valour of the Kalingan Empire and transformation of King Ashoka from Chandashoka to Dharmashoka. Renowned actor Kabir Bedi has lent his voice to the Light & Sound Show in Dhauli.

Dhauli hill is one of the famous Buddhist destinations in India and famous for the international peace pagoda. Dhauli hill is located on the banks of the river Daya, 8 km south of Bhubaneswar in Odisha. It is a hill with vast open space adjoining it, and has major Edicts of Ashoka engraved on a mass of rock, by the side of the road leading to the summit of the hill. It is presumed to be the area where the Kalinga War was fought.

Tourists come here to see the Shanti Stupa, and many sculptures including the status of Lord Buddha. On the top of the hill, a dazzling white peace pagoda was built by the Japan Buddha Sangha and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha in the 1970s.

In order to promote tourism, the department of tourism has been organizing many cultural events at Dhauli Giri.