Pravati Parida Lays Foundation for Odisha’s Heritage Village Upgrade

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida laid the foundation stone for the Raghurajpur Integrated Tourism Development Project, marking a transformative step in heritage village promotion.

The Rs 23-crore initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Tourism, aims to elevate Raghurajpur’s global identity as a hub of Pattachitra art, Gotipua dance, wood carving, and terracotta crafts.

The project will strengthen artisan livelihoods, enhance tourist amenities, and position the heritage village as a world-class cultural destination.

The ceremony witnessed the presence of Pipili MLA Ashrit Pattanayak, Puri District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida, Additional Secretary of Tourism Saroj Kumar Pradhan, alongside local artists and dignitaries.

Officials emphasised that the project will not only boost Odisha’s cultural tourism profile but also create sustainable opportunities for artisans, ensuring Raghurajpur’s traditions thrive in the global tourism landscape.