THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
PURI, JULY 22, 2026
Reinforcing its commitment to preserving Odisha’s rich
cultural heritage, Dalmia Bharat Limited (DBL), one of India’s leading cement
companies, celebrated the fifth edition of the Expert Rath Shilpkar Samman,
honouring the master artisans or ‘Maharanas’ whose craftsmanship has sustained
the sacred tradition of Rath making across generations. The milestone event
also witnessed the unveiling of a commemorative postal stamp and a special
postal cover dedicated to Odisha’s Rath Shilpkars, recognising their enduring
contribution to one of India’s most revered living traditions.
Organised under the company’s flagship ‘Honouring Shilpkars’
initiative, the ceremony celebrated the exceptional skill, dedication and
devotion of the Rath Shilpkars who continue to preserve a centuries-old tradition
deeply embedded in Odisha’s cultural identity. Four Rath Shilpkars were
felicitated with a shawl, trophy, traditional dhoti and a cash award of ₹10,000
each. In a special tribute marking the fifth year of the initiative, all 20
Rath Shilpkars honoured since
the programme’s inception were invited and recognised with a shawl, memento and
traditional dhoti. The felicitation ceremony was held before the sacred Raths
in Puri, lending added significance to the recognition as the artisans were
honoured in the very setting where their craftsmanship finds its highest
expression.
Adding a historic dimension to the celebrations, Dalmia
Bharat, in collaboration with the Department of Posts, Odisha, unveiled a
commemorative postal stamp and a special postal cover celebrating the
craftsmanship and lasting legacy of Odisha’s Rath Shilpkars through the
timeless medium of philately. The company also released a special coffee table
book featuring all 20 Rath Shilpkars honoured under the Expert Rath Shilpkar
Samman over the past five years, documenting their invaluable contribution to
preserving the sacred tradition.
Speaking on the philosophy behind the initiative, a company
spokesperson said, "At Dalmia Bharat, we believe expertise deserves
recognition in every field. Whether it is building resilient infrastructure or
preserving centuries-old traditions, excellence is always the result of skill,
discipline and years of dedication. For the past five years, the Expert Rath
Shilpkar Samman has been our way of honouring the master artisans whose
craftsmanship has kept the sacred tradition of Rath making alive, and we remain
committed to continuing this recognition in the years ahead. We are grateful to
the Department of Posts for partnering with us on the commemorative postal stamp
and special postal cover, reaffirming the enduring value of philately in
preserving and celebrating India's rich cultural heritage while honouring the
remarkable legacy of Odisha's Rath Shilpkars."
The fifth edition of the Expert Rath Shilpkar Samman marks a significant milestone in Dalmia Bharat’s continuing efforts to celebrate excellence beyond industry by recognising the custodians of India’s intangible cultural heritage. As the need to preserve traditional knowledge and craftsmanship gains greater prominence, the initiative seeks to ensure that the Maharanas and the wider Rath Shilpkar community receive enduring recognition not only for constructing the sacred Raths every year but also for keeping alive a centuries-old legacy for future generations.
Dalmia Bharat shares a longstanding association with Odisha spanning more than seven decades. Alongside its contribution to the state’s infrastructure and industrial growth, the company has consistently supported local communities while promoting and celebrating the cultural traditions that define Odisha’s unique heritage.
