To give a boost to the Khati (adda) culture of Cuttack, some of the residents have started a formal khati session, where a storyteller tells stories or sing songs, and people listen and take part in the discussion. The Cuttack Heritage Walks (CHW), the group that has been trying to popularise heritage sites, monuments and culture of Cuttack among new generations, has started this initiative.
The first CHW Khati was held recently at Bakul library in the silver city. Eminent academician, author and singer Adyasha Das was the invited guest, and she spoke about the sacred world of temples. Besides, she sang some of her songs. It was an exhilarating session for the participants.
“Cuttack is known for its khati culture. Like they have adda in Kolkata, we have khati culture in Cuttack. Legendary singer and musician Late Akshay Mohanty had popularised khati among people outside this city. The CHW khati is a fortnightly event that we are starting. Here participants sit hurdled before or around an invited story teller, and listen to stories, tales or songs,” said Deepak Samantrai, convener of CHW. Many eminent people including musician Om Prakash Mohanty and Kuna Tripathy, chairman, OFDC also had joined the khati.
The CHW also conducts heritage walks on a weekly basis. Experts narrate about the heritage sites and monuments to the participants that include people from various age groups and various walks of life.