college an autonomous status naming Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Science and Research (VIMSAR). University College of Engineering (UCE) is one of the oldest engineering colleges in India. It celebrated its golden jubilee in 2006. A bill was passed in the State Assembly to make it a State Unitary University and it has been renamed as Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology. This college has been a vast source for intellectual capital in the engineering sector, both public and private. Higher Secondary (10+2) education is imparted by the Burla NAC College, the University Higher Secondary College and the DAV Public School. The town has numerous schools. The Burla Boys High School, the Burla Girls High School, the DAV, the Sathya Sai School, the University High School, Sri Aurobindo School, Saraswati Shisu Vidya Mandir, The Saint Lukes school, The Xavier's school, and the Officer's Colony upper primary (UP) and middle schools are prominent. Various inter-institutional activities are organized among the educational institutions that enhance the academic experience of members of the institutions in Burla. Burla has a thriving sports culture with several local cricket, football and badminton teams including those from the University, Medical College and the Engineering University. Annual sports tournaments are a regular feature of the community. Culture The locality organises several festivals through the year most notably the Rath Yatra, the Durga Puja, the Viswakarma Puja, Ravan Poda, Ganesh Puja & Saraswati Puja and Shivaratri. Durga Puja is the time when the whole town wears a festive look with three main celebration-centres (pandals as they are locally referred to as) organised by three different puja-committees. Diwali is also celebrated with its usual fanfare and holi is a major festival as well. One of the distinct celebrations takes place during Shivaratri which is celebrated on a mountain-top Shiva temple. This mountain-top Shiva temple is deserted throughout the year except for the two days of celebration during Shivaratri. The three higher educational institutions viz. the Sambalpur University, the VSS medical college and the Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology also organise student fairs and annual celebrations. During Durga Puja festival Ravanpuda is organised by the people of different sect and religion mainly by Sikhs in the city for the last 55 years. The puda is organised under the hill of Chandli Dungri in a big playground. Nuakhai is a major festival of people which is celebrated after offering new