City after Dark: Cultural Planning and Management of Bhubaneswar's Night-time Economy

Abstract

The nightlife in India includes a variety of cultural events, such as music performances, pubs, theatres, museums, markets, drive-ins, and social gatherings. It has the potential to provide economic and social benefits, and local governments, people, the police, local companies, and transportation providers should collaborate to make it a successful sector. India's culture is broad and adaptable, and its nightlife is unique and expanding. There is a lack of studies on how to boost a nation's economy by promoting night-time commerce, particularly in emerging nations like India. The night economy has a lot of promise, but there are difficulties in the areas of rules and additional policy directives. This thesis examines the night-time economy of Bhubaneswar, using a multi-method approach, examining policies and documents while engaging in key informant interviews, focus groups, observational research, and documentary analysis, as well as patterns of activity and governance, and regulation. The project's key findings show how a variety of factors, such as the city's nightlife is constrained by the concentrated and linear pedestrian traffic flow, the division of recreational areas and activities, the underutilization of a public setting, and notions of risk and peril. These findings will help planners and politicians understand the advantages of building and recycling urban areas, developing thriving cities, and creating dynamic, inclusive urban centers.