The Pondicherry Heritage Festival remains dedicated to celebrating the unique identity of this remarkable town and its surroundings. Initially established to highlight the importance of preserving Pondicherry’s exceptional architectural heritage, the festival has broadened its focus to include various tangible and intangible traditions.

Organized by PondyCAN, People for Pondicherry’s Heritage, INTACH, AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, Akalavya International School, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute, and Alliance Française de Pondichéry, the festival featured a diverse array of activities, such as singing, instrumental performances, painting, creative writing, photography, and many other significant events.

During the event, Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary, AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Puducherry and its relevance to sustainability. He stated that the Pondicherry Heritage Festival is not merely a celebration; it is a movement aimed at preserving the rich cultural legacy of a land where various cultures and communities have blended to foster sustainability. Dr. Tripathy also underscored the themes of creativity and sustainability in the context of the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.

Shri Pradeep Narang, Chairman of the Sri Aurobindo Society, opened the festival by discussing the concept of sustainable heritage. He highlighted the importance of striking a balance between respecting historical legacies and the preservation of cultural, historical, and natural assets in a manner that allows for their continued existence.

Smt. Bitasta Samantray, founder of People for Pondicherry’s Heritage, spoke about the rich and distinctive heritage of Puducherry. She urged the younger generation of scholars to dedicate themselves to the preservation of this valuable heritage. Shri Ashok Panda, co-convenor of INTACH, addressed the significance of cultural heritage in relation to built heritage. He underscored the legacy of Puducherry, which showcases a unique ‘confluence of cultures’ and serves as a remarkable site for cultural interaction.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Charanya, Principal of Aklavya International School in Puducherry, emphasized the significance of programs that foster creativity and contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage. Thiru Sundar Murugan, Founder of ABAY NGO and a distinguished Tamil Scholar, highlighted the importance of a reading culture as a vital aspect of Puducherry’s heritage. He discussed the diverse community cultures, including the multilingual and multi-ethnic aspects of Puducherry and stressed about preservation of the grand cultural heritage leading to sustainability.

Troizeanz Student Council 2022 of Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute Puducherry supported the event.

Founder Secretary of the Crafts Council of Puducherry Ms. Sithara Nair Gerdes; Associate Director, AuroBharati, SAS, Mrs. Charu Tripathy; Mr. Marcelo Fortuna Figueira Marques Founder of CISAUM; Shri S.P. Goswasmi, Member of the Sri Aurobindo Society, Mathura Branch; Volunteer at PHF; Ms. Vishnupriya; and others were present. The pioneers of the Pondicherry Heritage Festival expressed their belief that such creative expression programs can significantly contribute to the community. The aim of the Pondicherry Heritage Festival is to spotlight the customs and locations we cherish and aspire to pass on to future generations of Pondicherrians.