Dalmia Cement Marks Five Years of Expert Rath Shilpkar Samman, Honours Odisha’s Master Rath Craftsmen

Puri, July 22, 2026: Dalmia Bharat Limited (DBL), one of India’s leading cement companies, marked the fifth edition of the Expert Rath Shilpkar Samman, recognising the master artisans or ‘Maharanas’ who have preserved one of India’s most revered living traditions, deeply rooted in Odisha’s cultural identity. Organised under the company’s flagship ‘Honouring Shilpkars’ initiative, the milestone celebration honoured the exceptional skill, dedication and devotion of the Rath Shilpkars who have carried forward the sacred tradition of Rath making across generations. Four Rath Shilpkars were specially felicitated with a shawl, trophy, a traditional dhoti and a cash award of ₹10,000 each. As a special gesture to mark five years of the initiative, all 20 Rath Shilpkars honoured till date were invited and specially honoured with a shawl, a memento and a traditional dhoti. The felicitation ceremony was held before the sacred Raths in Puri, making the recognition especially meaningful as the artisans were honoured in the very setting where their craftsmanship finds its highest expression.

To mark the fifth year milestone, Dalmia Bharat in collaboration with the Department of Posts Odisha, unveiled a commemorative postal stamp and special postal cover celebrating the craftsmanship and enduring contribution of Odisha’s Rath Shilpkars, preserving their legacy 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.

Speaking on Dalmia Bharat’s philosophy behind the initiative, 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 an important milestone in Dalmia Bharat’s journey of celebrating expertise. As conversations around preserving India’s intangible cultural heritage continue to grow, the initiative seeks to ensure that the Maharanas and the wider Rath Shilpkar community receive the recognition they deserve not only for building the sacred Raths each year, but for keeping a centuries-old tradition alive for future generations.

Dalmia Bharat shares a deep and enduring association with Odisha spanning over seven decades. As a long-standing contributor to the state’s infrastructure and industrial development, the company has also remained committed to supporting local communities and celebrating the traditions that define Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.