Heritage Beyond Monuments Takes Centre Stage at Odisha Manaska

Bhubaneswar: Heritage and identity are deeply intertwined, continuously evolving and redefining each other beyond monuments and physical structures. This broader understanding formed the core of discussions at the 18th edition of Odisha Manaska, where participants reflected on how tangible, intangible and natural heritage together shape collective and individual identities.

The monthly discussion forum, organised by Bhubaneswar-based think tank All Things Odisha, was held on Sunday at the head office of ExtraOdinari and Safe Odisha For Her (SOFH). The theme for the session, “Heritage and Identity: Looking Beyond Monuments, Exploring Diversity,” encouraged participants to examine heritage through lived experiences, cultural practices and ecological contexts.

Deliberations highlighted that heritage is not confined to monuments or grand historical narratives. In Odisha’s diverse social and geographical landscape, heritage lives in languages, rituals, food traditions, crafts, music and everyday practices shaped by region, community and environment. From coastal villages and riverine deltas to forested highlands and tribal heartlands, Odisha’s identity emerges through an interplay of tangible heritage such as temples and artefacts, and intangible traditions including oral histories, festivals and indigenous knowledge systems.

Participants also underlined the importance of natural heritage—forests, rivers and the sea—in anchoring cultural belonging and sustaining life. Together, these elements form multiple Odia identities, reinforcing the idea that Odisha is not a single narrative but a mosaic of lived experiences, shared memories and evolving futures.

The session was anchored and facilitated by Sandip Bal and Sonali Priyadarsini, who ensured an open, inclusive and democratic exchange of ideas. Maintaining the ethos of Odisha Manaska, participants were encouraged to share their perspectives respectfully, celebrating diversity, inclusivity and equity in dialogue.

The discussion saw participation from young entrepreneur Anurag, indie film producer Swastik, food researcher Ritu Pattnaik, undergraduate students from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University—Arisha and Heena—and ExtraOrdinari member Akanksha, adding varied viewpoints to the enriching conversation.