Culture of Puri

The culture of Puri reflects the ethos of Orissa society. The temple town of Orissa is renowned throughout the world for the Jagannath Temple. The Puri culture is based on Jagannath cult that was shaped by the mingling of various other Indian cults with Vaishnavism.

The rich cultural heritage of Puri is represented by the number of festivals held every year. These festivals not only reflect the traditional heritage of the town but also have a strong religious character. The Ratha Yatra, Car Festival, Chandan Snana and the Snana Yatra are some of the significant festivals that brings alive the religious diaspora of the people. Even the arts, crafts, architecture, hand looms and handicrafts of Puri showcase a temple culture.

As a matter of fact, all the notable cultural events in the social calendar of Puri revolve around the legendary Jagannath Temple. Another, world famous temple, the spectacular Sun Temple of Konark is also located in the vicinity and is the focal point of many a cultural soiree. The gala celebrations of the Konarak Dance Festival also take place within the precincts of the awe inspiring shrine. The festivals are a hit with the patrons of the fine arts and showcase the talent of dancers and give a platform to the talented artists of the place.

Another hallmark of Puri's cultural legacy is the impressive Odissi Dance, an art that has been perfected over the years. The stone architecture, Patta paintings, shell crafts and fine and intricate applique works earmark the diverse cultural heritage of the ancient town.

In fact, a visit to the picturesque town of Puri opens up a treasure trove of cultural delights for tourists. The people of Puri speak Oriya, the official state language, though Hindi, Bengali and English are widely understood. The city also has several museums and libraries upholding various artifacts and documents related to the culture of Puri.