Puri District, on the eastern coast of Odisha, India, is renowned for its association with Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath. It encompasses 3,479 sq/kms and is divided into two distinct regions: the coastal area and the level alluvial tract. Positioned at 19°28′ N Latitude and 86°25′ E Longitude, the district lies at sea level. Its population, as per the 2011 Census, is 1,698,730, with a density of 488 people per sq. km, comprising 14,33,800 in rural areas and 2,64,930 in urban regions. Puri is relatively literate, with 1,291,939 literates and 4,06,791 illiterates. Agriculture is supported by the district’s rivers, with crops like paddy, wheat, mung, biri, kulthi, and groundnut cultivated. The district’s literacy rate was 84.67% in 2011, with males at 90.85% and females at 78.28%. Handicrafts and cottage industries, inspired by the cultural heritage, are famous globally. Notably, the district is home to Chilika Lake, a haven for biodiversity, and houses several prominent educational institutions. Puri District also boasts a history of eminent personalities and contemporary achievers like Padma Bhushan Sudarsan Sahoo (Stone Sculptor) and Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik (Sand Artist).