As part of the Odisha Craft Odyssey Fellowship Programme, Raj Murya undertook a focused field visit to Puri to document the role of appliqué within one of Odisha's most significant cultural events—the Rath Yatra. Through photography, on-ground observation, and conversations with artisan communities, the visit examined how appliqué continues to shape the visual and ceremonial identity of the festival.
The fieldwork explored the craft beyond its material form, highlighting its place within ritual traditions and its continued relevance in contemporary public life. By documenting the annual Rath Yatra and engaging with the people who sustain these practices, the study contributed to a deeper understanding of the connections between craft, faith, and community. The visit forms an important part of OCO's ongoing efforts to document Odisha's living craft traditions in their cultural contexts.
