Puri: Odisha Tourism has unveiled an integrated development plan for Raghurajpur heritage village, with a proposed investment of Rs 23 crore aimed at upgrading infrastructure, strengthening facilities for artisans and positioning the renowned art village as a world-class cultural tourism destination.
Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida laid the foundation stone for the project on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the proposed tourism-led transformation of the heritage village.
Speaking at the event, Parida described Raghurajpur as the “heart of Odisha’s art and culture” and said the initiative would provide a new impetus to the village’s tourism potential. She said the government aims to take Raghurajpur’s Pattachitra, Gotipua dance and traditional artistic heritage to the global stage.
Focus on infrastructure and tourist facilities
Under the integrated development plan, the Tourism Department will undertake infrastructure improvement works and strengthen amenities for both visitors and local artisans.
The project will focus on creating a better tourism experience through improved visitor facilities while strengthening the infrastructure required for the village’s traditional art and craft communities.
Raghurajpur is renowned for its Pattachitra paintings, Gotipua dance, wood carving and terracotta crafts, which form an important part of Odisha’s cultural identity. The planned interventions are expected to provide greater visibility and support for these traditional art forms.
Better opportunities for local artisans
The initiative also seeks to create a stronger support system for artists and artisans by improving facilities and creating an environment conducive to sustaining traditional crafts.
The government expects the project to boost tourist footfall while generating better economic opportunities for the local community and strengthening Raghurajpur’s position on Odisha’s heritage tourism map.
The project is also expected to provide visitors from India and abroad with greater opportunities to experience the village’s living artistic traditions in their traditional setting.
Push to heritage and cultural tourism
The foundation stone-laying marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to develop heritage destinations beyond conventional tourism circuits.
The government aims to develop Raghurajpur as a premier heritage and cultural tourism destination, combining its traditional art, performing arts, architecture and village-based cultural experience with improved modern tourism infrastructure.
Pipili MLA Ashrit Pattnaik, Puri Collector Dibyajyoti Parida, Additional Secretary, Tourism Department Saroj Kumar Pradhan, departmental officials, local representatives, artists and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.
