Utkala, the cultural wing of Sri Jagannath Temple, Kidderpore is geared up to celebrate the auspicious Rath Yatra and Odisha Festival 2025 from 27th June to 5th July 2025 with great fervor and enthusiasm. This year’s festivities promise to be a grand affair, featuring a series of events that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.
Speaking on the announcement press meet held on 23rd June at the Press Club Kolkata, Mr Chandrasekhar Panigrahi, President Sri Jagannath Seva Samiti, Kidderpore said, “This festival is more than a religious event—it’s a celebration of Odisha’s timeless culture and spiritual values. Utkala has always strived to bring communities together through art, tradition, and devotion, and we invite all to join hands in making this Rath Yatra a divine experience for all”.
With the initiative of Ms. Renuka Rath, Advisor, Shri Jagannath Seva Samiti, Kidderpore, Utkala is organising a seminar on 30th June on “Sri Jagannath is the true Asmita of consciousness”. This year the seminar will be attended by prominent speakers from Odisha and Bengal. A book “Guardians of the Ten Directions,” will be released on the occasion. This book is the juggernaut of public erudition; it is the inaugural compilation by the Sri Jagannath Temple which features thirty selected stories from ten prominent Odia writers—including literary icons like Fakir Mohan Senapati and Manoj Das—translated from Odia to English. It is a huge step for introducing Odia literature to a wider, non-Odia-speaking audience.
The celebrations will start from 27th June with a colourful road show -Rath Yatra from Kidderpore Jagannath Temple to Northern Park, Bhawanipur where the deities will stay till the 5th July. The road show will have performances by Kirtan Mandalis and Ghanta Shankh Badan by troupe sponsored by EZCC, sponsored by Govt. of West Bengal and I&B Dept. Govt. of India”.
Addressing the gathering Sri Ashim Basu, Hon’ble Councilor Ward no 70, Kolkata Municipality Corporation, said “The presence of the Lord here at Northern Park transforms this space into a spiritual sanctuary, uniting people across communities in devotion, celebration, and harmony. As the elected representative of this ward, I am proud to support and encourage such initiatives that promote unity in diversity and uphold our shared cultural values. I am thankful to the Jagannath Seva Samiti and Utkala for their initiative and invite all residents of Kolkata to witness and participate in this divine celebration.”
The Rath Yatra procession will commence from Sri Jagannath Temple, Kidderpore, featuring the traditional Chhera Paharan ritual performed by Shri Ram Gopal Bansal, The Chairman, BMW Industries Ltd The procession will be accompanied by vibrant road shows, including Kirtan performances by Kirtan Mandalis and Ghanta and Shankh Badan by a troupe sponsored by the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC). Rath Yatra is one of the most revered festivals in Hinduism, symbolizing Lord Jagannath’s journey to his aunt’s place. The festival is a celebration of unity, devotion, and cultural heritage, drawing devotees from across the country.
The Odisha Festival will be inaugurated by Dr. Sruti Mohapatra, Disability Rights Activist and the member of the National Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. A number of performance will take place in the seven day festival. Visitors will also be able to have glimpses of Odisha handicrafts that will be on display on the occasion. Utkala Samman, conferred every year since 2003 on personalities with outstanding contributions to Art and Culture, will be conferred this year to Writer & Researcher Mr. Gouranga Charan Dash.
Elaborating on the Odisha Festival, Sri Guru Prasad Pattnaik, President Utkala said “Coinciding with the annual Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannath, from the day he starts his sojourn till he comes back to His abode a festival named “Odisha Festival” is held to bring some glimpses of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage to Kolkata. In the seven days long ODISHA FESTIVAL will witness the Odissi dance performance, Dance and Sit & Draw competitions, Bhajan Sandhya by renowned artists from Odisha and West Bengal, Seminar on Lord Jagannath, Cultural Programme Ravana Chhaya sponsored by Odisha Government, Performance by Smt. Aditi Munshi & Troupe, Cultural program sponsored by Odisha. The sevayats of Khidir Jagannath Temple, dedicate themselves wholeheartedly throughout the year, with special devotion during Rathayatra and other major festivals of Lord Jagannath.”
A book named “Sri Jagannath in Bengali eyes” will be unveiled by Kidderpore Jagannath Temple will be published on this occasion. Renowned Odishi Dancer Padmashree Durga Charan Ranbir & Troup, Meera Das of Gunjan Dance Academy, Bhajan Singers Rabindra Mohapatra, Lopita Behera will perform at Odisha Festival. Besides this, the flavours of Lord Jagannath’s kitchen through mouth-watering dishes, the inimitable Odisha Handicraft Works and Cuisines will be available for the visitors. To encourage children, Odishi Dance and Sit & Draw competition will be organized at the venue on June 29th 2025 (Sunday) To showcase traditional cuisine skills, very popular Khiri Pitha Competition will be organized on July 4th 2025 (Friday).
Shri Parshuram Bishoyi, Vice President, Shri Jagannath Seva Samiti Kidderpore Jagannath Temple, Shri Pramod Kumar Jena, Secretary, Shri Jagannath Seva Samiti, Kidderpore Jagannath Temple, Shri Saroj Mallik, Secretary, Utkala and temple sevayats were present on this occasion.