The contribution of Odiya people in building and development of the National Cultural Hub ‘Kolkata’ is significant. Odiya people have traveled to the city since its establishment, which still continues. People from Odisha have migrated to this city during the construction of Kolkata Port seeking job opportunities. Thousands of Odiya labors were engaged in Kolkata Port and Dock. Many were working i
n Kolkata Port and Railways. Some were living in tile quarters at the Dock East Boundary close to the Dock. Odiya people, wherever they are, never neglect in worshiping the Lord of the Universe, Sri Jagannath. Sri Jagannath is worshipped in every Odiya house since time beginning. Every Odiya starts their auspicious work by reciting the name of Sri Jagannath. One of the main admirer and devotee of Jagannath Dharm, King Kapilendra Dev, during his rule had extended the boundaries of present day Odisha upto Triveni. He appointed Odiya Brahmins at many places to worship Lord Jagannath. During his visit to Kolkata, Job Charnok had seen that 70ft. height Jagannath Chariot was pulled from Baithak Khana upto Ganga river. Sri Jagannth Dharma and Culture had already made its presence in Kolkata. After taking break from day long tiring job the Odiya labors, staying in Tile quarters, were worshiping a paper photograph of the Lord in a Tin covered temple. They felt the ultimate pleasure by singing Bhajans for the lord. With meager income they could not afford to set a proper idol of the lord or to construct a good temple. During that time Puffed Rice was being offered to the Lord, which also was not available sometimes. Sri Purushottam Das, the then priest used to do the daily rituals. Gradually the Paper Photograph was replaced by color paintings made on wood board, which continued till 1968. During the year 1968, the Tin houses were demolished and quarters were constructed by the Port. Many Odiya labors used to stay there. A meeting was called where eminent labor leaders and representatives from Khidderpore Odiya High School were present. It was decided to construct a Temple for Lord Jagannath and complete the construction before 26th January 1969. A committee was setup to look after the construction and collection of donations. The committee was named “Sri Jagannath Seva Samiti”. Members of the committee used to go door to door and collect donations for the temple. The then Port Labor Development Officer Mr. Rahman also participated by sending atleast 200 labors from Saturday to Monday for construction of temple roof. At last the construction of the temple was completed on 23rd January 1969. However the Temple was about 20 ft. height and the entrance was small in size. Once, Income Tax commissioner Sri Prasanna Kumar Das was visiting the temple with his father. While entering the temple his father got hurt at the entrance. Everything happens at the Lord’s will. His father said “Prasanna, do something for the temple”. And what happened next is history. Many eminent personalities including Sri Prasanna Kumar Das, Ex-DG, Armed Police Sri Ranjit Mohanty, IOB's Chief Officer Sri Lalatendu Mohanty, Program Officer-Sahitya Academy-Sri Mihir Kumar Sahu, Smt. Renuka Rath, Sri Ashok Mohapatra, Smt. Aloka Kanungo and others came together and contributed time. effort and kind. Several people including Odiya, Bengalis and people from all spheres of life contributed all possible help in terms of donation, time and skill to start and supervise the work for the new Temple. The foundation for a new temple was laid in November 1999. The deities were made by Stone Sculpture artist Sri Hadoo Maharana of Khurda, Odisha. The deities were installed with Yagnya and all ceremonial rituals were performed by eminent priests from Puri on 4th, 5th and 6th June 2002.
