Urban Haat, Puri

Urban Haat Puri is a thriving commercial and cultural center created to highlight and promote Odisha’s traditional crafts, cuisine, and arts and crafts. Situated close to Puri Beach, it provides a permanent venue for makers and craftspeople to showcase and sell their goods directly to customers. The building’s stores, food vendors, and open areas for cultural events provide a vibrant ambiance that draws both residents and visitors. Urban Haat is a component of a larger effort to support and conserve Odisha’s rich cultural legacy and give regional craftspeople employment possibilities.

Attraction

Urban Haat Puri is a thriving marketplace that features locally produced handlooms, textiles, and traditional handicrafts. Through live craft demonstrations, where guests can see artists make exquisite items, it offers an immersive cultural experience. Cultural performances, like traditional music and dance, are also featured during the market, contributing to its lively and genuine ambiance. Taste authentic Odia cuisine from food vendors serving up regional delicacies. The location also holds workshops and exhibitions that highlight various arts and crafts, providing aficionados with educational possibilities. Seasonal celebrations and gatherings, like the Toshali National Crafts Mela, together craftspeople from all over the nation to enhance the cultural experience even more.

History

Urban Haat Puri purpose of is to showcase the state’s rich handicrafts and cultural legacy. It was created as a venue for artists and craftspeople, enabling the exhibition and commercialization of traditional Odia goods, including handcrafted objects and textiles. In addition to being a marketplace, Urban Haat is a center of a culture where guests may take in the colorful arts and crafts made in the area. By maintaining ancient crafts and giving local artists a reliable source of income, this initiative supports them. It also improves Puri tourism by providing guests with a distinctive cultural experience.

Inside/Outside Views

Displaying traditional arts and crafts, Urban Haat is a lively crafts village. The welcoming entrance features a large signboard and is frequently embellished with traditional motifs. As you approach, the surrounding area’s landscaping—which includes flowers, colorful plants, and greenery—creates a relaxing mood. Typically, a parking lot is provided for the convenience of guests. Upon entering, you’re greeted by a diverse array of booths and stores featuring handcrafted goods, fabrics, and local crafts. The open areas are ideal for strolling and taking in the atmosphere, and the paths are wide to facilitate simple mobility. The kiosks within are brimming with elaborate and colorful handcrafted items, ranging from jewelry and other handmade goods to textiles and pottery. Craftspeople frequently give tours of their creation processes, allowing guests to see how the old-fashioned techniques are carried out. A food court provides a taste of regional fare, featuring a variety of traditional meals and drinks. Additionally, there are exhibition rooms where unique events and crafts-related displays take place. Scattered throughout are seating spots that offer a chance to relax and take in the surroundings. Urban Haat is a vibrant, culturally diverse site where performances of music and dance are occasionally held in assigned spaces.

How to Reach

By Air: Land at Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport, which is roughly 60 kilometers from Puri. To get to Puri, take a bus or cab from the airport.

By Road: Take the NH316 from Bhubaneswar to Puri by car or taxi; the trip takes one to two hours. Additionally, buses from Bhubaneswar and other locations are accessible.

By Rail: Get to the Puri Railway Station, which has good access to other big cities. The museum is situated on Station Road, close to Gundicha Temple, and is accessible by cab, autorickshaw, or cycle rickshaw from the station. It is roughly 2.5 kilometers away. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the museum on foot.

Tips for Travellers

The market is usually less crowded in the mornings and evenings.
Look out for authentic local handicrafts such as Pattachitra paintings, appliqué work, and stone carvings.
While prices are often fixed, some vendors may be open to bargaining.
Check the schedule for cultural performances or workshops that often take place.
Carry enough cash, as not all vendors might accept digital payments.
Try the local snacks and delicacies available at food stalls within the haat.
Keep an eye on your belongings.

FAQ

Que-01: Is this place safe to visit?

Ans: Yes, this place is safe.

Que-02: Is photography allowed here?

Ans: Yes, photography is allowed.

Que-03: What can I buy at Urban Haat?

Ans: You can find a wide range of items including textiles, pottery, jewelry, paintings, wooden crafts, and other handmade goods. The products are often unique and represent the diverse cultural heritage of India.

Que-04: Are there food options available at Urban Haat?

Ans: Yes, Urban Haat often features food stalls that offer a variety of local and regional delicacies, providing visitors with a chance to enjoy traditional Indian cuisine.

Que-05: Are there any special events or festivals at Urban Haat?

Ans: Urban Haat frequently hosts cultural events, exhibitions, and craft fairs. These events often include live performances, workshops, and interactive sessions with artisans.