Shreekshetra Utshav is organized on the sacred beaches of Puri, Odisha, to celebrate the vivacious culture, tradition and history of the place. It is conducted every year with the initiative of Department of Tourism and Culture, Government of Odisha. Puri is also referred as Shree Kshetra which signifies the land of Maha Laxmi and Jagannath as Shree implies to the goddess of wealth and Khetra implies to the sacred land. The place bears immense religious significance and it has been mentioned in the Skanda Purana that the place is the abode of Lord Vishnu along with Goddess Lakshmi. The `Prasad` of the deities distributed here is thus considered to be very sacrosanct. Apart from being the centre of immense sanctity and the abode of Lord Jagannath, the place also boasts of its glorious cultural and traditions. The intricate artistic works and magnificent forms of performing arts prove the cultural prosperity of Puri. Shreekshetra Utshav forms an excellent event to connect the tourists from all over the world with the pulsating heritage of the place.
The festival presents the tourists with the extensive array of music, dance, art, craft, handicrafts and handlooms. It mainly aims at promoting the cultural heritage of the state of Odisha. Exquisite folk and contemporary dances testify the traditions that have enriched the cultural canvas of the place with vivid shades. Odissi dance represents the classical dancing tradition while other dances such as Sambalpuri Dance, Gotipua Dance, Chhau, Danda Nritya, Paika Akhada and Ghoda Nacha adds to the charm of the festival. Puppets shows are also organized which portrays scenes from Indian epics including Ramayana and Mahabharata. The main features of Shreekshetra Utshav include Odissi food festival, Shree Jayadeva Odissi Sangeet Samaroh, handloom expo, handicrafts expo, Shrimad Bhagabata Parayana and sand art exhibition.
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