Bhubaneswar, Aug. 7: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik today inaugurated the much-awaited light-and-sound show at the Dhauli Peace Pagoda.
The 35-minute show depicts the history of Kalinga War, which was instrumental in converting Chandasoka into Dharmasoka. It describes how the Mauryan emperor Bindusar had failed to conquer Kalinga, but his son Asoka succeeded following the great war, which was fought on the banks of the Daya river at the foothills of Dhauli. But, after the war, Asoka's mind changed and he vowed to shun violence and spread the message of Buddhism. The transformation popularly refers to the conversion of Chandasoka into Dharmasoka.
The light-and-sound show also narrates what steps Asoka took to serve his subjects well, so that they would be able to spend a peaceful life. The show will be run in three languages - Odia, Hindi and English.
Besides, it also brings alive the glory and valour of the Kalinga army and the historic significance of the Dhauli hills. Two shows will be shown every evening.
The light-and-sound show, based on the latest three-dimensional projection mapping technology was designed by internationally acclaimed experts Himanshu Singh Sabharwal and Ross Aston of the Projection Studio, UK. The graphics is projected on the dome of the pagoda.
"We have just delivered our latest show in India. This is a permanent installation at the Dhauli Shanti Stupa in Bhubaneswar. The installation was designed and carried out by the Tricoilor India Schauspiele, lead by Himanshu Singh Sabharwal," reads a Facebook post of the UK-based company just after the inauguration. The Tricoilor India Schauspiele is a subsidiary of the Projection Studio in India.
Some of the other projects of the company include Queen's golden jubilee and World War II celebration in Buckingham Palace, FIFA World Cup celebration closing ceremony (South Africa), Commonwealth Games in Manchester, Pittsburgh Festival of Lights (USA), Light for the Arab World (Oman), New York Public Library, Lux Zee Cine Awards, MTV Music Award, New Year celebrations by mayor of London, 800th anniversary celebration of Cambridge University and many other shows in cities such as Liverpool, Glasgow, Oxford and Durham.
While the first show at Dhauli is from 7pm to 7.35pm, the second one is from 7.45pm to 8.20pm. While an individual has to pay Rs 25, a student has to pay Rs 10 per show.
"This show redefines storytelling and digital entertainment by using lights and audio system that is at par with the international light-and-sound shows. Famous Edinburgh-based Russian artist Maria Rud has painted the graphics. While actor Kabir Bedi has rendered his voice for the English version, Om Puri has done it for Hindi and Bijaya Mohanty for Odia," said tourism minister Ashok Chandra Panda.
The show at Dhauli was implemented through the India Tourism Development Corporation and the state government. While the Centre provided Rs 5 crore, the state government's share was Rs 1.06 crore. While the first technical trial show was staged on July 14, the inaugural show on July 28 differed following the death of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
