Kolkata: Utkala, the cultural wing of Sri Jagannath Seva Samiti, will celebrate Rath Yatra and Odisha Festival from July 7 to 15. The festival, which was first held in 2003, will commence with Netrotsav this year, followed by the Rath Yatra from Kidderpore Jagannath Temple to Northern Park, Bhowanipore, where the deities will reside until July 14.
The nine-day festival will feature cultural performances and an exhibition showcasing Odisha handicraft.Guru Prasad Pattnaik, president of Utkala, said, “The events will showcase the integrated culture of India through folk dances.”
The festival will also include the traditional khiri-pitha competition on July 14. The closing ceremony will be held with Ulta Rath and ‘Suna Besa’ of deities at Kidderpore temple.