First light & sound show in Odisha inaugurated at Dhauli

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Aug 8:

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik yesterday inaugurated the much awaited light and sound show at Dhauligiri, one of the most prominent Buddhist heritage sites in Odisha.

The show, the first in the state, revolves around the Kalinga War, its aftermath, transformation of Chandashoka to Dharmashoka and the propagation of Buddhism from the land of Kalinga to the rest of the world.

As it often happens in such cases,  the inaugural show had a few hiccups. First the show got stuck twice – in the 5th and 12th minute – before running smoothly at the third attempt. There were three trial runs before the inauguration of the show, but they obviously did not have the desired effect of ensuring a hassle-free presentation.

Besides, two stray dogs walked into the arena as soon as the show started. Clearly baffled by the light and sound, they ran helter-skelter causing mirth in the audience.

The show has been designed with the latest 3D projection mapping technology and has been designed by internationally acclaimed professionals like Himanshu Singh Sabharwal and Ross Aston. The show redefines story telling by using Lights and audio system that are at par with international Light & Sound shows prepared by a professional team and state-0f-the-art technology.

There are narrations painted by famous artist Maria Rud while the background voice for the show is given by Kabir Bedi in English, Om Puri in Hindi and Bijay Mohanty in Odia.

Visitors will have to pay Rs 25 per adult and Rs 10 per student/child for the 35-minute long light and sound show to be beamed with laser technology. There will be two shows (English and Hindi) from 7 pm to 7.35 pm and 7.45 pm to 8.20 pm in Odia, Hindi and English every evening except on Mondays.

An agreement is also being inked between TISPL and Department of Tourism (DoT) for operation and maintenance. As per the agreement, the DoT will pay Rs 85,59,984  towards operation and maintenance of the show for five years.  The Dhauli Development Committee will manage the light and sound show.

New Delhi-based and ITDC-owned Company Tri Colour India had undertaken the commissioning of the Rs 6.06 crore light and sound project. While the Union Tourism ministry had sanctioned Rs 5 crore for the project, the remaining amount was to be borne by the state government.

It may be noted that a MoU had been signed between Odisha Government and the Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) for the implementation of the project in October 2014. ITDC was entrusted with the responsibility for implementation of this project as the executing agency.