The Odisha government, in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), is set to host a vibrant three-day Fit India Carnival on the sacred shores of Puri Beach from March 21 to 23, 2026.
This event, held under the national Fit India Mission, aims to transform Puri’s iconic beach into a major hub for promoting healthy lifestyles, physical fitness, and sports awareness.
Odisha’s Minister for Sports and Youth Services, Suryabanshi Suraj, chaired a high-level virtual review meeting today (March 13, 2026) with officials from SAI’s Regional Centre (Kolkata), NCOE Jagatpur, Puri district administration, MY Bharat, and NSS Odisha to assess preparations.
The carnival seeks to make physical activity a daily habit for all, drawing large crowds, including locals, students, tourists, and the general public to this world-renowned heritage city.
Key highlights include a unique blend of modern wellness and Odisha’s traditional sports:
- Traditional competitions in kushti (wrestling) and mallakhamb.
- Wellness sessions like Chair Yoga and Laughter Yoga.
- Cultural awareness through sand art displays, Gotipua, Sahi Jatra, and other folk arts to spread health messages.
- Strong youth engagement, with students from local schools and colleges participating alongside tourists.
The event will feature activity zones to manage crowds effectively. Comprehensive safety measures are in place, including adequate security by the Puri district police, lifeguards, fire services, and first-aid support. The official mascot ‘Oli’ will add to the festive appeal.
Minister Suryabanshi Suraj expressed confidence that the carnival will unite residents, students, and visitors in Puri’s beautiful beach environment to propagate messages of health and public welfare, turning it into a massive community-driven campaign.
The meeting was also attended by Commissioner-cum-Secretary Bhupendra Singh Punia, Additional Secretary Bijay Swain, and other senior department officials.
