SHREEKSHETRA UTSAV/PURI FESTIVAL

Puri is not only a land of temples, beaches and secnic spots, but also a land of festivals. Visitors could enjoy their visit throughout the year in Puri. Every season Puri brings a host of colourful festivals . To showcase the city's art, craft, culture, cuisine and to highlight the history, rich tradition and cultural heritage of the holy city to pilgrims and tourists, the annual 'Shreekshetra Utsav - The Puri Festival' organised in Puri every year.

The different parts of 'Shreekshetra Utsav : The Puri Festival' are Shree Jayadeva Odissi Sangeet Samaroh, Odissi Food Festival, Handicrafts Expo, Handloom Expo, Shrimad Bhagabata Parayana and Sand Art Exhibition.

The main part of the Shreekshetra Utsav is the Shree Jayadeva Odissi Sangeet Samaroh. This is organised jointly by the Department of Tourism and Culture, Government of Odisha, the District Administration - Puri and the Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy. The main aim is to popularize the Odissi dance and music among the tourists.

The main aim of the Odissi Food Festival is to popularize the Odishan mouth watering cuisines among the visiting tourists. The objective of Handicrafts Expo is to display and sale the Odishan Handicraft products of Odisha with special emphasis on the handicrafts of Puri and surrounding areas. The prime objective of the Handloom Expo is to showcase and sale the Odishan Handloom products.

Shrimad Bhagabata Parayana is organised to highlight the ancient religious traditions of Odisha which includes presentation and discussion on the Odia epic 'The Bhagabata'.

Every year large number of tourists are flocking to Puri from across the country and abroad to celebrate and enjoy the Puri Festival. The festival also gives boost to tourism in Puri.

Video of Naga Dance at Shreekshetra Utsav