Ivory-Pink Theme to Transform the Holy City

Ahead of the world-famous Rath Yatra, the historic city of Puri is set to be transformed with a uniform heritage-inspired color scheme. All buildings along the main route from Atharanala to the Grand Road (Bada Danda) will be painted in a common ivory or pale pink shade, giving the city a distinctive and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The beautification initiative is being undertaken by the Puri-Konark Development Authority (PKDA) under the Housing and Urban Development Department at an estimated cost of ₹2.35 crore.

Enhancing the Pilgrim Experience

The primary objective of the project is to ensure that devotees arriving in Puri experience the grandeur and heritage of the sacred city from the moment they enter through Atharanala. The uniform color code is expected to create a visually harmonious environment while highlighting Puri’s rich cultural and spiritual significance.

Work on restoring the heritage look of buildings along the Grand Road has already begun. Structures located on both sides of the main route—from Atharanala through Medical Square to Bada Danda—are being painted in the designated ivory-pink shade.

Government Invests ₹2.35 Crore in Beautification Drive

The Odisha government has allocated nearly ₹2.35 crore for the project. Officials believe the initiative will not only enhance the beauty and dignity of the heritage city but also leave a lasting impression on the lakhs of devotees and tourists who visit Puri during the annual Rath Yatra.

Inspired by Earlier Heritage Projects

A similar color-coding initiative had been implemented during the 2015 Nabakalebara festival and later during the Shree Mandir Parikrama Project. However, this time the project has been expanded significantly, covering the entire stretch from Atharanala—the gateway to Puri—up to the Grand Road.

Illegal Signboards to Be Removed

As part of the city’s beautification efforts, the Puri district administration has also directed the immediate removal of unauthorized signboards that detract from the heritage character of the city. Officials say the move will help preserve the visual appeal of the pilgrimage destination.

Citizens Welcome the Initiative

The universal color-code project has received a positive response from residents, intellectuals, and heritage enthusiasts. Several prominent buildings, including Purushottam Bhakta Nivas, the Multi-Level Parking Complex, Kumbharapada Police Station, and WATCO buildings, are already being painted in the approved shade.

PKDA has also instructed private property owners along the designated route to follow the same color scheme, ensuring a consistent and unified appearance throughout the city.

A New Look for the Holy City Before Rath Yatra

With the Rath Yatra drawing closer, the large-scale makeover is expected to give Puri a fresh yet heritage-centric identity. The initiative reflects the government’s broader vision of preserving the city’s cultural legacy while enhancing its appeal as one of India’s most important pilgrimage destinations.

The post Puri to Get a Unified Heritage Look Ahead of Rath Yatra 2026 appeared first on Odisha Connect.