Puri (ପୁରୀ) is a coastal district in Odisha, eastern India, along the Bay of Bengal. It is best known for the Jagannath Temple in Puri city, the annual Rath Yatra, and popular beaches. The district also includes Konark, home to the UNESCO-listed Sun Temple, and parts of the Chilika Lake region.
Odia is the main language, and local culture is shaped by Jagannath traditions, festivals, crafts, and coastal life. Farming, fishing, tourism, pilgrimage services, and handicrafts support livelihoods. Raghurajpur is known for Pattachitra painting and other traditional arts, while Pipili is associated with appliqué work. Coastal villages and agricultural settlements extend beyond the busy visitor centres.
Common civic concerns include cyclone preparedness, coastal erosion, drainage, safe drinking water, sanitation, and waste management. Residents also care about reliable roads and healthcare, fishing livelihoods, and protecting Chilika’s ecology. Managing pilgrimage crowds and tourism while conserving heritage and ensuring local livelihoods remains an important priority.