Living Heritage
Heritage is not only preserved in stone and archives. It survives when communities continue to practise, celebrate and transmit it.
Jala Ratha Yatra: Jagannatha’s Chariot on the Waters of Chilika
The Jala Ratha Yatra is one of the most distinctive cultural and spiritual traditions associated with the Kankanashikhari sanctuary. Unlike conventional chariot celebrations conducted on land roads, the representations of the holy deities are reverently mounted upon traditional, decorated wooden boats on the waters of Chilika Lake.
Initiated in 2017 through Dr. Susant Kumar Sahoo's tireless vision, the annual festival has now reached its 12th edition in 2026. Conducting this festival requires immense logistical coordination among government agencies, including the Chilika Development Authority (CDA), Chilika Wildlife Division, Inland Water Transport, the District Police, and hundreds of local boatmen and student volunteers.
“A distinctive tradition associated with Kankanashikhari, re-enacting the historical journey of the deities across Chilika.”
Devotees gather on the shores of Nairi and board safe flotillas to escort the floating chariot to the island sanctuary amidst traditional hymns, conch blowing, and floral offerings.
Chilka Arati
Reverence to the Life-Giving Lake
Ecological & Spiritual Gratitude
During the Sri Jagannatha Mahotschab at Kankanashikhari, Chilka Arati is performed on the water's edge at twilight as an expression of reverence to Chilika Lake.
The ceremony reflects the cultural understanding of Chilika as a life-giving mother supporting fishing, tourism, biodiversity, and coastal livelihoods.
Sri Jagannatha Mahotschab
Initiated in 2018, the Sri Jagannatha Mahotschab has evolved into a premier cultural and spiritual gathering in the region. The inaugural Mahotschab was graciously opened by the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, cementing its institutional recognition.
The festival convenes scholars, saints, artists, and thousands of villagers. Core traditions celebrated during the Mahotschab include:
Biswashanti Maha Yajna
Sacred fire ritual performed for regional peace, environmental harmony, and prosperity.
Cultural Programmes
Traditional Gotipua dance, Odissi renditions, Pala, and Jagannatha devotional discourses.
The Mahotschab serves as a unifying cultural platform where all segments of society, regardless of background, gather for community Prasad distribution and devotional fellowship.
Nanda Utsav: Devotion, Celebration & Community
The annual Nanda Utsav brings together rural villagers, priests, and local dignitaries in a joyous celebration following Janmashtami.
Carrying the Divine Child in Festive Harmony
During Nanda Utsav, the community participates in the ceremonial procession honoring the appearance of the Lord. Dr. Susant Kumar Sahoo, alongside temple sevayats and villagers, leads the procession with the representation of Krishna carried in a traditional bamboo basket adorned with floral garlands.
The festival includes traditional kirtan singing, folk dancing, distributing sweets, and collective prasad feeding for hundreds of devotees from surrounding coastal villages.
Preserving timeless Vedic ritual forms.
Uniting villagers in shared celebration.
Devotees gathering
Festive procession
24 Pure Neem-Wood Beshas
Handcrafted Traditional Wood Carvings
2025 Landmark Exhibition24 Besha of Lord Jagannatha (2025)
In **2025**, a landmark cultural exhibition was curated at Kankanashikhari featuring the **24 Beshas (divine outfits and costumes)** of Lord Jagannatha. The complete series was handcrafted from sacred, seasoned neem wood (Daru Brahma wood), embodying the highest standards of Odishan woodcraft traditions.
Each miniature costume representation reflects a distinct festive incarnation of the Lord as observed across the lunar calendar at the Puri temple—such as Bamana Besha, Kaliya Dalana, Padma Besha, and Sunabesha.
Discovered Stone Inscriptions & Remnants
During the physical revival of Kankanashikhari island sanctuary, stone inscriptions and architectural remnants were uncovered, providing material evidence of the historical antiquity and ritual significance of the site.
Stone article discovered during site excavation at Kankanashikhari
Architectural remnant confirming historical antiquity of the sanctuary
“These discoveries corroborate the historical accounts of Kankanashikhari as a functioning sanctuary dating back to the 18th century, confirming its role as a sacred refuge for the deities of Lord Jagannatha.”