Archive · 28 Dec 2025
CEC Explores Odisha's Rich Heritage
The Chief Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar, visited many famous places in Odisha.
He went to the Shree Jagannath Temple and the Sun Temple to pray and seek blessings.
He was very impressed by the beautiful architecture and history of these temples.
He also visited the artisan village of Raghurajpur, where he saw amazing paintings, textiles, and woodcraft made by local artists.
He watched a traditional dance called Gotipua and talked to the artists.
Later, he visited the Dhauli Peace Pagoda and the ancient caves at Udayagiri hill.
He was amazed by the old caves and the beautiful stonework.
He also went to the Mukteswar Temple and prayed there.
He had to leave early because of a family emergency but promised to visit Odisha again.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar visited Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri and Sun Temple in Konark during a three-day trip to Odisha.
He sought blessings from Lord Jagannath and expressed that these blessings will inspire him to perform his duties with greater dedication.
Kumar admired the ancient art, literature, and culture of Odisha and aimed to learn more about these traditions during his visit.
He visited the heritage crafts village of Raghurajpur in Puri district, where he experienced Pattachitra paintings, Tussar textiles, woodcraft, and other artistic creations made by local artisans.
Kumar was deeply impressed by the Gotipua dance performed by young dancers at Raghurajpur and praised the artisans for keeping alive centuries-old Indian culture and traditions.
- Who
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- What
- Visited Shree Jagannath Temple, Sun Temple, Mukteswar Temple, Raghurajpur artisan village, Dhauli Peace Pagoda, Udayagiri hill, and interacted with local artisans
- When
- During a three-day visit to Odisha
- Where
- Puri, Konark, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
- Why
- To seek blessings, learn about Odisha's rich traditions and heritage, and experience local art and culture
- Person
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Location
- Puri, Odisha, India
- Temples Visited
- Shree Jagannath Temple, Sun Temple at Konark, Mukteswar Temple
- Duration of Visit
- Three days
- Accompanying Officials
- Odisha Chief Electoral Officer R.S. Gopalan, senior officials
- Significance of Temples
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kalinga architecture
- CEC's Remarks
- Inspired by divine blessings, proud of India's heritage
- Artisan Village Visited
- Raghurajpur
- Art Forms Experienced
- Pattachitra paintings, Tussar textiles, woodcraft, Gotipua dance
- Historical Sites Visited
- Dhauli Peace Pagoda, Udayagiri hill, ancient caves
