Odisha’s Raghurajpur Wins ‘Best Tourism Village 2023’ Award

New Delhi: On World Tourism Day, Raghurajpur, a heritage crafts village in Odisha’s Puri district, was awarded the ‘Best Tourism Village 2023’ award in the silver category by the Ministry of Tourism. This recognition is a testament to Raghurajpur’s exceptional efforts in preserving its cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development through tourism.

Out of a total of 795 villages from 31 states and Union Territories that competed for this coveted award, Raghurajpur stood out as one of the 35 villages selected for their remarkable contributions to the tourism sector.

Raghurajpur is renowned for its diverse range of traditional art forms, including Pattachitra art, palm leaf engraving, wooden toys, and stone carving. Skilled artisans from 123 families transform ordinary materials into exquisite works of art, depicting tales from mythology and other legendary narratives through a rich tapestry of colours and intricate detailing.

The award-winning village is a shining example of how cultural heritage can be preserved and celebrated while also contributing to sustainable tourism development. It showcases the incredible artistic talents of its residents and offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.