Puri Heritage Walks kick off, monthly events set for second Sundays

Bhubaneswar, Aug 27: On the eve of Janmastami, heritage enthusiasts from across Odisha had an enriching experience in the Sankhakshetra of Puri during the inaugural Puri Heritage Walks. This unique initiative was designed to immerse participants in the essence of the Jagannath cult and the rich traditions surrounding the world-famous Jagannath Temple, a symbol of Odia cultural heritage.

Led by young heritage activists from Puri, the maiden walk saw over 50 participants from various regions, including Konark, Gop, Bhubaneswar, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, and Cuttack. The walk began near the Mahaveer Temple, adjacent to the Southern Gate (Horse Gate or Aswa Dwar), and included visits to Sriramdas Math (Dakshina Parswa Math), Kapal Mochan Mahadev Temple, and the temple precincts housing Adi Nrusingha, Maa Bimala, and the Nirmalya Khala (where Nirmalya is prepared).

Participants then visited Ananda Bazaar, where they engaged in a deep discussion about the unique aspects of the Sri Jagannath Temple and its traditions. The conversation highlighted how various religious practices, such as Shaivism, Shakti worship, and Tantricism, have intricately woven into the temple's day-to-day rituals. Dr. Sarat Mohanty, a “Chunara Sevak,” shared his experiences of tying flags over the Neelachakra and described the breathtaking views from atop the temple, spanning from Chilika Lake to Dhauli, Nayagarh, and the vast Kalinga Sagar (Bay of Bengal).

In another insightful talk, young Jagannath culture researcher and traditional priest Siddharth Acharya elaborated on the influence of Tantricism within Jagannath culture. He explained how the traditions at the Sri Mandir uniquely blend major religious practices under Shiva, Devi (Shakti), and Tantric traditions. Acharya also engaged with participants in a lively discussion, answering their questions about the temple's religious customs.

Before the Ananda Bazaar discussion, Jagannath culture researchers Dayanidhi Tripathy and Debiprasanna Nanda shared lesser-known aspects of the temple's traditions. The event was efficiently coordinated by Puri Heritage Walks conveners Sanjay Baral, Dr. Aurojyoti, and Biswaranjan Dehury, with the support of young heritage enthusiasts from Puri.

The conveners and participants decided to make the heritage walk a monthly event, scheduled for the second Sunday of each month. Future walks will focus on specific shrines or temple complexes within the holy city and will also explore the traditional delicacies of Puri, which are celebrated as authentic Odia cuisine.