Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam visits Konark temple, artists' village in Odisha's Puri

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam visits Raghurajpur artists' village and Konark Sun Temple in Odisha, exploring cultural heritage.

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Saturday (January 18, 2025) visited Raghurajpur artists' village and the Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha's Puri district on the second day of his tour to the State.

Accompanied by the First Lady of Singapore, Mr. Shanmugaratnam spent more than an hour at Raghurajpur heritage village and purchased two Pattachitra paintings, one on the theme of Ramayana and another on Lord Ganesh. He interacted with the artists, saw paintings and enquired how the unique Pattachaitra arts are drawn.

“The President of Singapore enquired about the history and origin of Pattachaitra paintings and asked how we create such artwork,” said Prasant Kumar Subudhi, an artist and a member of the Raghurajpur Craftsmen Committee.

Ayush Mohapatra, an artist from Raghurajpur village, presented a painting of Mr. Shanmugaratnam and his wife with Puri Jagannath Temple behind them. “I am happy that the President himself received the painting from me,” Mr. Mohapatra said.

Raghurajpur in Odisha’s Puri district is known across the world for its Pattachitra paintings, palm leaf engraving and other kinds of traditional crafts. Every house in the village is a gallery of Odisha’s rich cultural legacy.

Later, Mr. Shanmugaratnam visited the 13th century Sun Temple at Konark where he was received by officials of the State Government and the Archeological Survey of India (ASI).

"In view of the Singapore President’s visit, other tourists would not be allowed to the temple till 12 noon. Security has been strengthened across the district for Mr. Shanmugaratnam's visit," an official said.