Baripada: The 15th edition of the Mayurbhanj Heritage Walks (MHW), organized by the Mayurbhanj Lovers and Mayurbhanj Mirror groups, witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 60 individuals, including students, scholars, and heritage enthusiasts.
The walk explored the historic Baba Budha Raula Temple and Matha, located on the scenic banks of the Budhabalanga River, where it converges with the Chippata and Sukhajodi rivers. This sacred site, steeped in history and culture, became the focal point for reconnecting with Mayurbhanj’s rich heritage.
The event began at one of Baripada town’s iconic landmarks, the old Mayurbhanj Palace (now the MPC College building), and concluded at the temple and monastery. Kumaresh Nayak of Mayurbhanj Mirror narrated the history of the Budha Raula Temple, the ancient Shiv Lingam, the sacred fire that has burned for centuries, and the story of Arakhpal Mouza. Participants found the storytelling deeply engaging and insightful.
Arlin Ankita Parida, an actress and postgraduate student of Political Science, expressed her excitement, saying, “Connecting the missing dots of our heritage, tradition, and culture is why we join these walks. It’s a wonderful experience.”
Ansa Khatun, a postgraduate student in English Literature, added, “The heritage walk takes us back to the past. Discovering Mayurbhanj’s glory through these trails is an enriching learning process.”
Assistant Professor of History, Suchismita Das, highlighted the importance of such events, stating, “Knowledge of cultural history and traditions connects us to our glorious past. Both school and college students should actively participate in these walks.”
Ipsita Pattanayak, Assistant Professor of Geology, emphasized, “Understanding one’s history and archaeology is vital. These heritage walks help us revisit and appreciate our past.”
Rushiraj Pattanayak, a core member of the Mayurbhanj Lovers group, underlined the importance of heritage in daily life, noting Baripada’s unique royal history.
For over seven years, Mayurbhanj Lovers and Mayurbhanj Mirror have worked tirelessly to promote and document the district’s heritage, culture, tourism, wildlife, and rural life. Participants in this edition included Sushree Nayak, Akash Mohanty, Krishna Chandra Mukhi, Jeet Patnaik, Abhas Dey, and Chinmay Das, among others.
The event proved to be a remarkable journey into the past, fostering pride and awareness about Mayurbhanj’s cultural legacy.
