Braving Rains, Heritage Enthusiasts Explore JKBK Memorial and Weaving Village in Jagatsinghpur

Jagatsinghpur: Defying intermittent rains, over 20 heritage enthusiasts joined the ninth edition of the Jagatsinghpur Heritage Walks (JHW) on Sunday, exploring the Siddha Barang Gosain Peetha in Punang village—the birthplace of Odisha’s Jatiya Kabi Bir Kishore Das (JKBK)—and the historic Badabagar Weavers’ Village.

The heritage walk began at the Bir Kishore Memorial Park near Charipolia Chowk in Jagatsinghpur town, where participants cleaned the premises, paid floral tributes to the statue of the eminent poet, and reflected on the need for greater community involvement in maintaining such cultural landmarks.

The group later visited the Badabaug Weavers’ Village, witnessing the intricate process of crafting traditional handloom products such as sarees, dhotis, towels, and lungis. They interacted with artisans who continue to uphold the district’s age-old weaving traditions.

Senior weaver Narayan Behera and Vijay Kumar Das, President of the Badabaug Weavers’ Society—established in 1936—shared insights into the weavers’ legacy and challenges. “If our cultural heritage and fundamental rights had been given importance, the lives and livelihoods of these weavers would definitely be better,” said Prabhaansu Samantaray, advisor of JHW. He noted that while the village once had around 300 weavers, only about 50 continue the craft today, following the devastation of the supercyclone.

The walkers also visited the Jagannath Temple at Punang and the ashram of Siddha Barang Gosain, learning about its spiritual and cultural significance. On the Chaturdashi of the Odia month of Margasira, the Peetha transforms into Shrikhetra, believed to host Lord Jagannath himself for a day—turning the temple’s prasad into mahaprasad. The temple is also known for its exquisite and rare wood carvings.

JHW convenor Shrikant Singh thanked all participants for their involvement. Among those present were Biswaranjan Dehury, Convenor of Odisha Heritage Walks, and Shashank Shekhar Panda, who shared ideas on future heritage trails and promoting the hidden art and craft traditions of Jagatsinghpur district.