Tag: cuttack

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Netaji Was Born Here by Sri Raja Parija

“Netaji was born here” recreates the childhood and adolescence days of Subash Chandra Bose spent in Cuttack. It details developments and happenings which was more or less not known to the public. Netaji did have his entire school education here in Cuttack. A very formative phase of one’s life.
Raja Parija has successfully documented a very significant period of Netaji’s life in this book. Through a wise blending of text and photographs, he has managed ably to recreate a lost era.
An interesting read for students researchers and the lay public.

Anyone interested to buy the book can contact CHW .
INR 899
USD:20$

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Cuttack Heritage Walks November Edition

Cuttack Heritage Walks November edition started off with large gathering of History and Heritage enthusiasts . The history and glory of Barabati fort was shared by Shri Dipak Samantarai and Shri Anil Dhir , the members proceeded to Madhusmriti . Shri Samantarai passionately shared the some of the rare moments and sacrifices of Utkala Gauraba Shri Madhusudan Das , who played the most pivotal role in formation of Odisha. Very interactive sessions the members and speakers , the spirited young generations taking more interest in our rich heritage is a silver lining and a prudent hope.

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CHW Website Launched

Proving our apprehensions wrong, about thirty participants gathered for restarting the suspended Walk after a forced hiatus of six months. A clean warm Autumn sky welcomed them all. The enthusiasm was truly infectious.

Picture Courtesy by Kishore Bit

It happened to be the World Tourism Day (27th September 2020). Sri Subash Singh, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, launched the much awaited website of Cuttack Heritage Walks. http://www.cuttackheritage.com Inaugurating the website, Sri Singh said that the cause of heritage and history of the Millennium City is going to get a boost through this site. He observed that Cuttack Heritage Walks is playing a very important role in creating awareness amongst the youngsters towards heritage and should function as a pressure group.

Thanking him for gracing the occasion and doing the honours, Dr Dipak Samantarai presented Sri Singh a beautiful photograph of the iconic gate of Barabati Fort. The photograph has been clicked by a member of Cuttack Heritage Walks, Sri Bikash C Das.

Picture Courtesy by Bikash C Das
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Cuttack Heritage Walks , 6th Edition

On the occasion of Deepabali CHW promised to retrieve the light of our heritage and history from the darkness of ignorance and indifference. After covering the gems within the Barabati Fort we went to Christ Collegiate School, a dilapidated imperial structure of 1883 vintage. Our posts will tell you the pathetic story in instalments.

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500 Years Durga Puja History in Kataka (Cuttack)

Binod Bihari (Balu Bazaar) Chandi Medha – In the narrow by lanes of Binod Bihari near Naya Sarak ,Katata (Cuttack) , It is said that in the year 1512 to 1517 AD Chaitanya Deva had come to Cuttack, the capital of Gajapati Empire of Odisha and the then emperor of Odisha Gajapati Pratap Rudra Dev received him at Gadagadia Ghata situated near the river bank of Mahanadi very close to the kings palace popularly known as Barabati fort. In that year Shree Chaitanya Deva started Durga Puja at Binod Bihari temple presently known as Balu Bazaar.
Here Binod Bihari Devi’s sacred idol was installed in a small house. Thereafter the place became known as Binod Bihari which consisted of Balu Bazar, Bakharabad, Alamchand Bazar, Sahebazada Bazar and Nayasadak. Daily worship of the deity was performed in conformity with Vaishanav tradition. He stayed at Binod Bihari Temple. In the mean time autumn Durga Puja period arrived. He worshipped a brass Durga idol there. Thus it was the origin of Durga Puja in Cuttack.
Later the Thakur family began worshipping of the clay idol. The tradition contiued till date. It would continue as long as the Odia civilisation lasts. Akshaya Kumar Banerjee’s ancestors were true Vaishnavites. They had also visited Puri. But while returning they settled along the Kathajodi river in the same place Binod Bihari.
In 1517 AD the clay idol making evolved from the second day of the birth day of Lord Krishna emulating the Bengal Methodology. The whole responsibility lied on the Banerjee family from this day till immersion of the idols. The tradition remains in tact even now and generation after generation the Benarjee family rules the roost. Goddess Durga of Binod Bihari was thus addressed as the ‘Big Sister’.
Later five Puja Pendals were erected, clay idols installed and worshipped. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had introduced community Durga Puja in Odia Bazar. The Durga Puja has gone through many a transformation over the centuries and the zeal ramains undiminished, rather more visible.

– With References from Antiquity of Durga Puja by Shri Om Prakash , Worship of Goddess Durga in Cuttack – Shri Parikhit Mishra

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Silver Filigree Walks 2.0 , Dusshera in Cuttack

Silver Filigree Walk 2.0 completed this morning of Maha Saptami (5/10/19).
Photographs by the Hon’ble Members of Cuttack Heritage Walks.
The backdrops (Chandi Medhas) and silver filigree as well as gold ornaments looked absolutely stunning with the majestic images of Devi and her consorts.
In the earlier edition we had seen the backdrops and ornaments being made by the silver filigree artists and artisans with love and care.

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Cuttack Heritage Walks , 5th Edition

It was truly wonderful to be a part of this 5th edition of Cuttack Heritage Walks, 29th Sep, and meet the enthusiastic members . We had two Gentlemen visitors this time with us from Delhi and Shri Lalatendu Das Mohapatra , Director of Archives – Govt Of India Shri Anil Dhir , Eminent Historian who have extremely supportive and constantly encouraging us to highlight the rich history of this ancient capital .

The Walk extended to The Church of Epiphany , not very far from the Barabati fort. One of the Oldest Church in Odisha

Picture by Bikash R Das
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Cuttack Heritage Walks , 4th Edition

Barabati Beckons went off smoothly this morning. Inspite of threatening clouds floating over our heads, more than thirty friends showed up for CHW. Sri Om Prakash Mohanty was felicitated for his love for Cuttack and contribution to music.

We covered the Barabati Ruins, Bukahari Baba’s Mazar, Barabati Gate, Moat, Sahi Quilla Masjid, Judicial Museum and Police Museum. The last destination was a surprise for many. The rain gods were kind enough to allow us a liberal let up.

Picture by Shri Dipak Samantarai
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Cuttack Heritage Walks , 3rd Edition

Ignoring the weather man’s warnings, about thirty culture enthusiasts participated in this 3rd edition of the CHW.
Apart from the usual itinerary, they went round the State Maritime Museum, a storehouse of glorious memories. Historian Anil Dhir told that innumerable collectibles associated with our maritime history are lying scattered throughout the state, efforts should be made to collect and showcase those artefacts here in this Museum

Picture by Sri Sajal Sheth
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Silver Filigree Walk – Cuttack

Silver Filigree Walk, a Cuttack Heritage Walks initiative, was specially curated to provide a window to the exquisite world of Silver Filigree of Cuttack. Known as Cuttacki Tarakasi it is a unique and fascinating art form. It’s origin is not exactly known, but evidence suggests that it gained credence and circulation during the Moghul era. Presently suffering from government apathy and social indifference, it is passing through a difficult phase.

Famous Silver Filigree Work from Cuttack – Crown Making. Copyright Photo of Bikash Chandra Das

It has a chequered history. Participants of Silver Filigree Walk on last Sunday went to a couple of workshops located in Alisha Bazar and Mohamadia Bazar area of Cuttck, the original hub of filigree art. They interacted directly with the artists and artisans. Filigree is designed by joining pieces of silver wire of various thickness without using mould as is done in other forms of art.

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