Bhubaneswar, Aug 19: Odisha is stepping up efforts to place its rich artistic heritage on the global tourism map, with the state government launching a Rs 23-crore integrated development project for Raghurajpur, the renowned heritage crafts village in Puri district.
Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida laid the foundation stone for the project, which seeks to improve infrastructure, strengthen facilities for local artisans and create a more welcoming experience for visitors.
The initiative is designed to give Raghurajpur’s traditional arts greater visibility while ensuring that the village’s cultural identity remains at the heart of its tourism development. The government plans to promote its celebrated Pattachitra paintings, Gotipua dance, wood carving and terracotta crafts to visitors from India and abroad.
For the artists and craftspeople of Raghurajpur, the project could open new avenues to showcase their work, reach a wider market and benefit from the growing interest in cultural and heritage tourism. Better facilities for artisans are also expected to support the continuation of traditional skills and create stronger livelihood opportunities within the village.
The tourism component will focus on improving amenities for visitors and strengthening the overall infrastructure of the destination. The objective is to make it easier for tourists to experience the village’s art, culture and traditional way of life while encouraging longer and more meaningful visits.
Parida described Raghurajpur as the “heart” of Odisha’s art and culture, saying the project would mark a new chapter in the village’s tourism development. The state wants to give its distinctive artistic traditions a stronger presence on the international stage and develop Raghurajpur as a premier heritage and cultural tourism destination.
The project also comes at a time when cultural tourism is gaining importance as travellers increasingly seek experiences connected with local traditions, craftsmanship and community life. Raghurajpur’s unique combination of living art traditions and village-based craftsmanship gives it the potential to become an important attraction for both domestic and international visitors.
The development is therefore not only about improving tourism infrastructure but also about connecting heritage with livelihoods. By creating better opportunities for local artisans while improving the visitor experience, Odisha aims to build a tourism model in which cultural preservation and economic development move together.
With the Rs 23-crore initiative, Raghurajpur is poised for a new phase of development that seeks to preserve its artistic character while giving its craftspeople and cultural traditions a larger national and international platform.
