Kolkata, July 11: Kolkata is all set to witness a grand celebration of faith, culture and tradition as Utkala, the cultural wing of Shri Jagannath Seva Samiti, Kidderpore, will organise Rath Yatra and Odisha Festival 2026 from July 16 to July 24. The nine-day festival promises a vibrant blend of spirituality, cultural performances and traditional Odia heritage.
The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Press Club, Kolkata. Addressing the media, Chandrasekhar Panigrahi, President of Shri Jagannath Seva Samiti, Kidderpore, said the festival aims to unite people from all walks of life through devotion to Lord Jagannath while showcasing Odisha’s rich cultural and spiritual legacy.
The celebrations will begin on July 16 with the grand Rath Yatra procession from Shri Jagannath Temple, Kidderpore, to Northern Park, Bhawanipur, where the deities will stay until July 24. The Bahuda Yatra (return journey) will take place on July 24, followed by the sacred Suna Besha ceremony at the temple the next day.
One of the major attractions of the procession will be the traditional Chhera Pahanra ritual, to be performed by Ram Gopal Bansal, Chairman of BMW Industries Limited. The procession will also feature devotional kirtans along with traditional Ghanta and Shankh performances supported by the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC).
The Odisha Festival, beginning on July 17, will showcase Odisha’s rich artistic traditions through classical and folk dance performances, devotional music, drama, cultural programmes and competitions. Visitors will also get a taste of authentic Odia cuisine and explore exhibitions of Sambalpuri and Kataki handloom textiles, along with traditional handicrafts.
Speaking on the occasion, Guru Prasad Pattnaik, President of Utkala, said the festival serves as a bridge between Odisha’s timeless traditions and the people of Kolkata by celebrating the cultural, spiritual and artistic heritage associated with Lord Jagannath.
As part of the celebrations, the prestigious Utkala Samman 2026 will be conferred on Prof. P. K. Mishra for his outstanding contribution to art and culture. The festival schedule also includes a Devotional Song Competition and Classical Dance Competition on July 18, the popular Khiri Pitha Competition on July 19, and the closing ceremony on July 23.
Among those present at the press conference were Parshuram Bishoyi, Vice President, Shri Jagannath Seva Samiti; Pramod Kumar Jena, Secretary, Shri Jagannath Seva Samiti; and Saroj Mallik, Secretary, Utkala.
Shri Jagannath Temple, Kidderpore, one of Kolkata’s prominent spiritual landmarks, continues to play a significant role in promoting devotion, cultural harmony and Odisha’s rich traditions through its annual festivals and community initiatives.
