Puri Heritage Walks Marks Second Anniversary, Honours Heritage Keepers

Puri: From the evolution of Shaivite worship in Odisha to the traditional crafts and ritual practices that continue to shape Puri’s cultural identity, the second annual celebration of Puri Heritage Walks (PHW) brought together historians, scholars, artisans and heritage enthusiasts to reflect on the need to preserve the region’s living heritage.

Held at Sanskruti Bhawan in Puri, the programme featured discussions on the city and Odisha’s rich cultural traditions, along with felicitations for individuals and groups working to document and protect the state’s heritage.

Eminent historian Prof. Kharavela Mohanty spoke about the gradual development of the Pashupata cult and Shaivite worship across Odisha. He highlighted the region’s distinct tradition of patronising and preserving Shaivite culture.

Siddheswar Mahapatra, author of Puri Boli, priest of Srimandir and a writer on Puri’s culture, drew from renowned scriptures and recited verses describing the Trinity. He also spoke about the spiritual splendour of the deities in Srikshetra and the heritage of the Srimandir.

Ajoy Kumar Sethi, Head of the Department of History at SCS College, Puri, emphasised the richness of Puri district’s heritage and the responsibility of preserving it for future generations. He also stressed the need to promote greater awareness about the region’s cultural legacy.

The programme began with a one-minute silent prayer in memory of late historian and heritage researcher Anil De.

PHW advisor Debi Prasanna Nanda welcomed the guests and spoke about the organisation’s heritage-preservation initiatives and the contributions of its members. Convenor Kumar Aurojyoti presented the annual report, outlining the activities undertaken during the year.

The celebration also recognised young participants and heritage groups. Winners of the Odia and English heritage essay and speech competitions organised at SCS College were felicitated. Heritage Walk teams from Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur and Khordha were also honoured for their contribution to the heritage-walk movement in Odisha.

Three individuals preserving traditional crafts and practices received the Aitihya Ratna Award. They included Sudarshan Sahoo, who has documented traditional bell-metal and brass utensils; Laxmidhar Bisoi, a potter-servitor known for preparing the traditional Adharahandi for Mahaprabhu Sri Jagannath; and sola craft artisan Baidyanath Khuntia.

The annual PHW publication, Aitihya Gabaksha, was also released during the event.

A new website, odishaheritagewalks.com, was launched to create a common platform for information on heritage walks being conducted across different districts of Odisha.

The event was coordinated by PHW members Biswa Shanti Tripathy and Priti Pallabi Mohapatra, while co-convenor Ashoka Manjari Nayak proposed the vote of thanks.

A large number of heritage enthusiasts and well-wishers from Puri and other parts of Odisha attended the celebration and congratulated PHW on completing two years.