Singapore President Visits Odisha, Explores Art and Culture in Raghurajpur and Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and his wife, during their two-day visit to Odisha, immersed themselves in the state’s rich cultural heritage with stops at Raghurajpur village and the crafts museum, Kalabhoomi.

On Saturday, the President and his wife visited the famed Raghurajpur village in Puri district, known for its pattachitra art and folk traditions. The villagers extended a grand welcome, showcasing the Gotipua dance and other cultural performances. The President engaged with local artisans, exploring the intricate pattachitra and folk art forms, and purchased two pattachitra artworks as a token of appreciation. Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, along with senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and Puri district administration, accompanied the dignitaries during the visit.

On Friday, President Shanmugaratnam began his Odisha tour with a visit to Kalabhoomi, the crafts museum in Bhubaneswar, where he admired the state’s art, handicrafts, and handlooms. Accompanied by Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the President appreciated the craftsmanship on display.

During the Kalabhoomi visit, the President’s wife spent four hours exploring the exhibits, leaving impressed by the artistry. They also purchased a traditional saree, using India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for the transaction, reflecting the growing digital connectivity between nations.