Tagore’s Ancestral House in Puri to Be Restored, Developed into Museum

Bhubaneswar: The Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department has decided to restore the ancestral residence of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in Puri and convert it into a museum dedicated to his memory.

The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj on Wednesday. The department stated that the residence, known as ‘Pather Puri’, will be renovated and developed as a tribute to Tagore’s legacy and connection with Odisha.

In another major announcement, the department revealed that eminent Odia writers and their literary works will be showcased at a special theme pavilion during the upcoming Bali Jatra festival in Cuttack, which begins on November 5.

Further, Indonesia will be invited as the Partner Country for this year’s Bali Jatra, while an Indian state will join as the Partner State under the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative. Cultural troupes from several South Asian countries will also participate in the event.

The department has also decided to fill vacant posts in institutions including Culture University, Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Bibhuti Kanungo College of Art and Crafts, and Government College of Art and Crafts, Khalikote.

Additionally, following the financial aid to Dhenkanal’s Gajalaxmi Puja, the Culture Department will extend support to Kendrapara’s Gajalaxmi Puja as well.

The State Archaeology will oversee the restoration of the historic Kalidas Temple in Kendrapara, while the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC) has been directed to speed up the construction of the Odia Asmita Bhawan near Sainik School in Bhubaneswar.