Singapore President Explores Konark Sun Temple and Raghurajpur Crafts Village
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Synopsis
Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and his wife visited Raghurajpur crafts village and the historic Sun Temple in Konark, where they enjoyed cultural performances, interacted with local artists, and experienced Odisha's rich heritage.
Key Takeaways
- President of Singapore visits Raghurajpur and Konark.
- Engaged with local artists and purchased Pattachitra paintings.
- Enjoyed a traditional Odia dinner and cultural programs.
- Praised Odisha’s craftsmanship and cuisine.
- Showcased India’s digital payment systems.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 18 (NationPress) Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the President of Singapore, paid a visit to the artistic village of Raghurajpur and the iconic 13th-century Sun Temple in Konark, located in Puri, on Saturday.
Alongside his wife, the President received a warm reception at the village, featuring traditional Gotipua dance and vibrant cultural performances. They spent over an hour exploring the heritage village, renowned for its rich artistic heritage, including Pattachitra art, Tala Patra Chitra (Palm Leaf engravings), and Stone Sculpture.
The couple interacted with local artists and purchased two Pattachitra paintings that depicted various themes from the Ramayana and Lord Ganesh. Prasant Kumar Subudhi, a Pattachitra artist, remarked, “The Raghurajpur heritage community welcomed the President of Singapore today. We demonstrated the art of creating Pattachitra paintings, and he expressed interest and bought two pieces from us.”
During their visit, they were also gifted a handmade painting by young artist Ayush Mohapatra, which featured the President and the First Lady against the backdrop of the Puri Jagannath Temple.
Following their time in Raghurajpur, the couple toured the majestic 13th-century Sun Temple at Konark, where officials from the Archaeological Survey of India extended their welcome.
In light of the President's visit to Raghurajpur and the Sun Temple, Puri police implemented comprehensive security measures.
Earlier on Friday, President Shanmugaratnam enjoyed a four-hour visit to Kala Bhoomi, the Handicrafts Museum in Bhubaneswar. He praised the artistic, handloom, and craftsmanship heritage of Odisha. He was accompanied by Odisha Governor Dr Haribabu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
At Kala Bhoomi, he explored various galleries, spending considerable time in the Jagannath Gallery. He commended Odisha’s spiritual essence and cultural traditions, which were prominently displayed in the exhibits.
A memorable moment was when the President’s wife purchased a saree, completing the transaction via UPI, showcasing India’s global leadership in digital payment systems.
The couple concluded their visit with a traditional Odia dinner, followed by a cultural showcase that included Odissi dance and a fusion of Odisha and Singaporean dance styles. President Shanmugaratnam expressed admiration for Odissi music and dance, describing it as a unique and captivating art form.
The President praised Odisha’s cuisine for its exceptional flavors, highlighting the evening's cultural exchange as a testament to the strong bonds between Odisha and Singapore.
