In the age of speed and screen time, there’s a quiet shift happening in Bhubaneswar — a move towards slow living. Once known only as a historical and spiritual hub, the city is now attracting wellness seekers, creatives, and professionals who are choosing peace over pressure.
But what is this “slow life” all about? And why is it becoming more than just a passing fad in Bhubaneswar?
Let’s dive into the why, what, and how of it.
What Is Slow Living and Why Does It Fit Bhubaneswar Perfectly?
Slow living is a conscious lifestyle choice where you intentionally slow down to focus on what really matters — health, relationships, rest, and purpose. It’s not laziness; it’s presence. It’s about doing less but doing it well.
And Bhubaneswar — with its deeply rooted spiritual energy and modern livability — makes it easy to embrace this shift.
Here’s how:
- 🛕 Cultural Depth: Walk through Ekamra Walks, and you’ll feel connected to something timeless. Culture here isn’t for tourists — it’s part of life.
- 🍲 Mindful Eating: Traditional Odia food like pakhala bhata, dalma, and chhena poda celebrate slow cooking with seasonal, local ingredients.
- 📵 Digital Balance: More cafes and coworking spots are offering “tech-free” corners and work-life balance options for freelancers and entrepreneurs.
- 🧶 Craft & Creativity: Visit the Odisha Crafts Museum and you’ll witness the magic of handmade, slow-made art — a visual metaphor for the lifestyle itself.
Why Is Slow Living Becoming Popular in Bhubaneswar?
The global wellness wave that picked up post-pandemic has touched India too — but Bhubaneswar is uniquely positioned to become its flagbearer.
Here’s why:
- 🌿 Access to Nature: Unlike chaotic metros, Bhubaneswar offers calm green spaces like Ekamra Kanan, Biju Patnaik Park, and Bindu Sagar for mindful walks.
- 🧘 Wellness Awareness: Yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic therapies are becoming part of daily routines, supported by studios like Art of Living and Kalinga Wellness Studio.
- 🛍️ Support for Local Living: From sustainable markets to cultural crafts, the city is embracing a “buy local, live simple” philosophy.
- 🏡 Comfortable Pace of Urban Growth: While modernity is rising, the city hasn’t lost its heritage, allowing for a unique blend of tradition and calm progress.
The stress of constant hustle is prompting many to ask — what’s the point of speed if you’re headed nowhere? That’s where slow living enters.
READ ABOUT : HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP SCHEDULE
How to Embrace the Slow Life in Bhubaneswar (Starting Today!)
Living slow doesn’t require a retreat — it starts in small daily habits. Here’s a beginner’s guide to help you transition without flipping your life upside down:
1. 🌞 Start Your Day Outdoors
Begin your mornings with a tech-free walk at Bindu Sagar, Ekamra Kanan, or even the quiet lanes of Old Town. Breathe, stretch, and enjoy silence.
2. 🍛 Cook & Eat Intentionally
Try local, seasonal cooking once or twice a week. Visit farmer’s markets. Say no to rush meals and yes to ghar ka khana.
3. 🧘 Practice Weekly Digital Detox
Every Sunday, unplug for a few hours. Use that time for journaling, visiting the crafts museum, or joining a local yoga class.
4. 💼 Say No to the Hustle Culture
Whether you’re working remotely or studying, schedule breaks. Opt for value-based work over quantity. Quality over hustle.
LEARN MORE : Goodbye hustle, Welcome slow living
5. 🛍️ Shop with Purpose
Support handmade, sustainable items from local exhibitions like Sutraa Expo. Avoid fast fashion — wear stories, not just clothes.
✨ Final Thought: From Surviving to Living
Slow living in Bhubaneswar isn’t just a wellness trend — it’s a return to the soul of the city. It’s where modern urban life meets timeless wisdom. And as 2025 unfolds, more people are choosing to step off the treadmill and breathe deeper, live fuller.
So the next time life feels like a blur — remember:
Slowing down is not stopping. It’s starting to truly live.
Swetadash