Traditional toy fair is as old as our civilisation, but its use has become scarce and confined to a very few places in the country these days. The old Lord Jagannath temple located in Khaspa Street in Brahmapur, however, is still clinging to the traditional practice and has made toy play one of its most sacred rituals.
According to information available, the temple has been decorated with earthen toys of different mythological characters since the Rath Yatra.
It promotes the traditional toy makers of the area who make toys from clay, cow dung, wood, coir and papier-mâché.
Bibhu Prasad Sahu of Youth for Social Development (YSD) said, “It is quite disheartening that the local Municipal Corporation (BeMC), DM (Ganjam), Culture Department and Odisha Tourism have not shown any interest to promote the centuries-old fair in the city while the toy artisans are unable to get their livelihood due to poor demand.”
The Kandhei Yatra is a traditional festival celebrated every year in Brahmapur and is attached to the rituals of the old Jagannath Temple. It is time, the State Government should develop the heritage temple and preserve its traditional toys and make the temple a tourist destination.