Bhubaneswar: For generations, the Khandagiri Jatra has been more than just a fair – it's a living canvas of memories, traditions, and community bonds. Here's how locals remember and experience this historic gathering.
A Vendor's Legacy
"My grandfather started selling traditional clay toys here in the 1960s," shares Ramesh Maharana, a third-generation artisan. "Back then, the fair was smaller, more intimate. Today, it's grown enormously, but people still stop by to buy our traditional toys. They remember buying them in their childhood."
The fair's evolution through his eyes reveals how commerce and culture have intertwined over decades. "Earlier, we had mostly local crafts. Now there's everything, but people still seek out traditional items."
A Cultural Bridge
Local historian Rajendra Mishra notes, "The Jatra has always been a meeting point between rural and urban Odisha. Villagers brought their crafts and performances, while city dwellers brought their purchasing power and appreciation. This exchange has kept many traditions alive."
The Changing Face
"When I was young, we would wait all year for the Jatra," recalls Sarojini Devi, 75, a resident of Old Town Bhubaneswar. "It was our biggest entertainment. We would save money to buy special sweets and watch folk performances. Now my grandchildren come for the modern rides, but they still insist on buying traditional palm leaf crafts."
The Youth Connect
College student Ankit Patra offers a contemporary perspective: "For us, it's a mix of heritage and fun. We come for the food stalls and games, but there's also this feeling of being part of something historic, especially with the caves in the background."
The Performer's Tale
"Our dance troupe has been performing Gotipua at the Jatra for three decades," says dance guru Manoj Pradhan. "The audience has changed, but their love for traditional dance remains. Now we even get foreign tourists watching us."
Community Bonds
Local resident Priya Mohanty emphasizes the social aspect: "It's like an annual reunion. You meet people you haven't seen all year. Every family has their special Jatra traditions – which day to visit, what to buy, where to eat."
The Sacred Touch
"The spiritual aspect is still strong," observes temple priest Pandit Debendra Mishra. "Many visitors first pay respects at the caves and temples before enjoying the fair. It's a beautiful blend of the sacred and secular."
Business Evolution
"Earlier, we only had local snacks and sweets," says food stall owner Bijay Kumar. "Now we serve everything from chat to Chinese. But our traditional pithas and local delicacies still sell the most during the fair."
Conservation Concerns
Heritage conservationist Dr. Anita Rath shares her perspective: "The growing popularity of the Jatra poses challenges for the ancient caves. We need better management of the increasing crowds while preserving the site's historical significance."
Modern Adaptations
The fair has embraced change while maintaining its core identity. Mobile payments at traditional craft stalls, social media promotion of cultural events, and improved infrastructure have made the fair more accessible while preserving its cultural essence.
As Bhubaneswar grows and changes, the Khandagiri Jatra adapts. Yet, as local administrator Deepak Panda notes, "The fair's strength lies in its ability to remain relevant while honoring tradition. It's not just a tourist attraction – it's a living heritage that continues to bring people together."
The Khandagiri Jatra stands as a testament to how traditional gatherings can evolve without losing their soul. Through the voices of its participants and visitors, we see a celebration that remains deeply rooted in community while embracing the futur
