<span style="color: #222222;">Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat is an initiative of Government of India to pay tribute to Sardar Patel, who played a key role in integrating the nation, for his great contributions to the nation. This initiative can build bonds between the people of various States of India. This programme is giving a boost to the existing cultural connect between different parts of the country and enhancing interaction between people living in different states. </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"><br />'' As part of this programme, being run at the behest Niti Aayog, Odisha is tagged with Maharashtra. Both states are organizing different programmes to promote art, culture and tourism of their respective states. </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"><br />'' AIR correspondent reports, Odisha is also known as Utkala which literally means the land of excellent art and culture. The state has been a home for the exemplary endeavour in the field of art, craft, sculpture, and architecture for more than two thousand years. Blessed with nature's beauty, the land has encouraged many musicians, dancers, artists, and craftsmen to create their finest works. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Odisha boasts of a rich cultural heritage and tradition with splendid varieties of art forms. Enchanting monuments like ancient caves, sculptures and skillfully built temples speak volumes about the glorious history of Odisha. The Jagannath temple at Puri and the Sun temple at Konark continue to remind the world of Odisha's proud past. Apart from that the delicious Odia cuisine and colourful festivals multiplied the beauty of Odia culture. </span><br />''  <br />