“Chandi Medha” Heritage Walk Draws Enthusiasts Ahead of Puja Festivities in Cuttack

Cuttack: As Durga Puja approaches, the unique and intricate “Chandi Medhas” of Cuttack’s famed filigree tradition are once again in the spotlight. To celebrate and share the rich heritage of these stunning silver backdrops, members of Cuttack Heritage Walks (CHW) organized a special heritage walk today, drawing a large crowd of enthusiasts eager to learn about the city’s artistic and cultural treasures.

The heritage walk, which began early this morning from Madhusudan Sangrahalaya near Sailabala Women’s College, marked the 65th edition of CHW’s heritage trails. Around 40 participants from various backgrounds took part in the event, eager to explore the history and craftsmanship behind the iconic “Chandi Medhas.” The walk was led by Dipak Samantarai, a noted author, academician, and convener of CHW.

Raja Parija, an eminent writer, ex-bureaucrat, and former journalist, served as the expert guide for the walk. A native of Cuttack and a well-known historian of the city, Parija spoke passionately about the origins and evolution of the “Chandi Medha” tradition. He explained how the practice of creating these intricate silver backdrops began at the Binod Bihari Puja in the 1950s, with Choudhury Bazaar introducing the first “Chandi Medha” in the late 1950s. The tradition has since flourished, especially after 2000, as more pandals adopted this exquisite form of decoration.

The participants were also introduced to the socio-economic significance of the “Chandi Medhas,” learning about the contributions of Cuttack’s Muslim artisans who craft many of the Medhas that are not made from filigree. Parija emphasized the brotherhood between Hindu and Muslim communities, who work together to create these magnificent displays.

Throughout the walk, participants visited some of the city’s most prominent pandals, including those at Kanika Chhak (Ramgarh pandal), Mahadev Puja Committee Tulasipur, Tulasipur Durga Puja Committee’s new “Chandi Medha,” Deulasahi Puja Mandap, Kafla Bazaar, Chandini Chowk, and Choudhury Bazaar. Each stop showcased the beauty and craftsmanship of the “Chandi Medhas,” with their glittering silver designs enhancing the deities displayed at the pandals.

In addition to exploring the cultural heritage, the walkers also enjoyed Cuttack’s famous street food, sampling traditional Odia sweets from age-old stalls near Chandini Chowk and indulging in the city’s iconic “dahibara aloodam” from popular local vendors.