State Museum

Bhubaneswar, Feb. 1: The tinkling of fountains will lend a lilting background tune to the cultural dos at Rabindra Mandap and create an enchanting ambience at the State Museum.

The state culture department has decided to set up water fountains on the premises of State Museum and Rabindra Mandap in the city.

The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) will execute the project, which is aimed at beautification of the two culturally important places.

“The State Museum will have a musical fountain, while two small light and water fountains will be set up on the premises of Rabindra Mandap,” said state culture director Sushil Das.

Sources in the OTDC said the work order for the two fountains at Rabindra Mandap had been released and the construction would start shortly. The fountain at the State Museum will be built at an estimated cost of around Rs 35 lakh, whereas the two small fountains at Rabindra Mandap will cost around Rs 8 lakh.

Rabindra Mandap

“Once the plan for the fountain at the State Museum is approved by the culture department, construction will start,” said an OTDC senior official.

Last year, the corridor of Rabindra Mandap was renovated and the lawn was upgraded while lavish light arrangements were made for the auditorium.

The interiors of the auditorium, as well as the entrance and parking lot, were also decorated with thousands of Pipili appliqué. This has created an apt ambience for cultural programmes hosted at the venue, feel many festival organisers.

“When the venue is adorned with lights and now fountains, it attracts visitors to step in and enjoy the events even more. Beautifying this auditorium is a welcome step,” said Abhinna Routray, dramatist and secretary of the Odisha Natya Sangha.

Rabindra Mandap is the major venue in the city that hosts various cultural programmes throughout the year.