India, March 31 -- In a significant recognition of Odisha's rich cultural heritage, the Puri Rath Jatra and Cuttack Bali Jatra have been included in the National Heritage List by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's apex cultural institution under the Union Ministry of Culture. This announcement was made by Dr. Arabinda Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), through a social media post on platform X on Monday.

Padhee elaborated that the inclusion of these two grand festivals in the prestigious list marks a major milestone in acknowledging their historical and cultural significance. The recognition by the Sangeet Natak Akademi underscores the deep-rooted traditions and spiritual fervour associated ...