Saraswati Puja marks the beginning of Jagatsinghpur Heritage Walks

Bhubaneswar, Feb 3: The inaugural heritage walk organized by Jagatsinghpur Heritage Walks (JHW) took place on the auspicious occasion of Saraswati Puja, attracting over 35 heritage enthusiasts from various parts of the state.

The event commenced at the Maa Sarala Temple, where JHW convenor Srikanta Singh welcomed participants and shared the organization’s mission and vision.

Jagatsinghpur boasts a rich history dating back to the 6th century AD, aligning with the Prachi Valley Civilization. Its archaeological remains, trade networks, fabric manufacturing, and significant role in the freedom struggle contribute to its unique heritage. The group was addressed by Pandit Ranjan Panda, the temple's Chief Priest and author of “Shri Chandi Sarala Madala,” along with Dr. Ajay Kumar Mishra, a prominent researcher and author of “Chitramaheswari.”

The walk included discussions on the historical significance of the area, including references from Sarala Das's Mahabharata. Participants learned about the temple's origins and rituals, as well as the influences of Buddhism, Tantrism, Saivism, and Vaishnavism in the region.

Notable attendees included Dipak Samantrai from Cuttack Heritage Walks, Sanjay Baral from Puri Heritage Walks, Dhenkanal Heritage Walks founding member Biswa Ranjan Dehury, and Prabhanshu Santarai, publisher of Divya Duta Publication, alongside local college students.