Bhubaneswar: The long-awaited light and sound show at the historic Khandagiri-Udayagiri caves – a centrally protected site – has entered the final stage of preparation, with the state govt directing the executing agencies to complete the remaining works at the earliest to facilitate its inauguration.Designed to bring alive the rich history of the ancient cave complex, the sound, light and experience (SEL) show will narrate the story of emperor Kharavela and trace the evolution and spread of Jainism in the region through immersive audio-visual presentations. The show will be staged at the Khandagiri cave site using visual projections on rock surfaces, enhanced by a multi-channel sound system and visitor seating arrangements.Senior officials of the tourism department recently carried out a joint site inspection to assess the readiness of the attraction for launch. Officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) Ltd, the implementing agency, were also present and demonstrated the audio-visual programme during the visit.During the review, officials observed that the content for the show has been substantially completed and is expected to be ready for inauguration by deputy chief minister Pravati Parida, who also holds the tourism portfolio.To make the attraction more accessible to local visitors, the tourism department directed ITDC to develop and integrate an Odia voice-over, as the existing narration is currently available only in English.The department also asked the agency to procure and install 150 high-quality chairs and improve circulation, access and internal pathways at the site. All civil and infrastructure works will be carried out in consultation with the ASI to ensure compliance with heritage conservation norms.The director of tourism, Deepankar Mohapatra, said the project would be reviewed once again soon as additional visitor amenities, including washrooms, are also being planned in the area. “Since it is the monsoon season, we will assess whether the project requires a few more days before opening to visitors, even though most of the works, including electricity connections, have reached the final stage,” Mohapatra said.Sources said under the agreement, ITDC will manage maintenance of the facility for five years, with revenue from ticket sales to be shared between ITDC and the ASI.Tourism stakeholders said the show is expected to emerge as a major attraction by presenting the historical and cultural legacy of Khandagiri-Udayagiri through immersive storytelling. After the Sun Temple at Konark, the cave complex attracts the second-highest footfall among centrally-protected monuments in Odisha.
