About Mishrashala
Preserving the soul of Odisha’s folk heritage
Mishrashala is dedicated to celebrating, protecting, and passing on the timeless traditions, art forms, and stories that define Odisha’s cultural identity.
Our mission
Heritage kept alive by the people who live it
At Mishrashala, we are dedicated to preserving and promoting Odisha’s rich folk culture and timeless traditions. Our mission is to safeguard the region’s vibrant heritage — from traditional art forms, ancient rituals, and captivating folklore to soulful music and expressive dances — ensuring they continue to inspire future generations.
We believe that cultural preservation begins with community participation. Through our grassroots initiatives, workshops, and performances, Mishrashala actively engages local artists, storytellers, and youth to keep Odisha’s living traditions alive.
In today’s digital age, we also embrace technology to document, archive, and share the treasures of Odia folklore with a global audience. By blending heritage with innovation, and fostering connections between culture and tourism, Mishrashala strives to sustain the spirit of Odisha’s cultural legacy for generations to come.
Founder and record
Dr Ajaya Kumar Mishra — folklorist, retired Associate Professor of Odia, author of more than 75 books.
PhD and D.Litt. from Utkal University; retired from S.V.M. Autonomous College, Jagatsinghpur; more than fifty years in folklore, literary criticism and education.
- 40,000+
- Students reached
- 10,000+
- Visitors
- 40+
- Research projects
- 20+
- Shows at institutions
- 5+
- Publications
Figures as recorded by Mishrashala.
Exhibited at: Raj Bhavan, Odisha · Suravi Mela · Utkal University of Culture · Fakir Mohan University · Regional College of Education · Sailabala Women’s College · J.K.B.K. College · Rama Devi Women’s University · S.C.S. College · Government ITI, Cuttack · Govt Nodal High School, Bhubaneswar · Odisha Sahitya Akademi · Jagatsinghpur Jilla Bikas Parisad · Harrow, London.
Meet the founder
Dr Ajaya Kumar Mishra
Dr Ajaya Kumar Mishra is a highly esteemed scholar in the field of Odia language and literature, with over fifty years of experience in folklore, literary criticism and education. He is a retired Associate Professor from S.V.M. Autonomous College, Jagatsinghpur, and holds both a PhD and a D.Litt. from Utkal University, specialising in Folk Drama, Folk Literature and Language Studies.
Dr Mishra has made extensive contributions to his discipline, as evidenced by his prolific publication record, which includes over 75 books and more than 100 articles. He has been instrumental in the development of dictionaries, served on various editorial boards and participated actively in cultural committees. He has supervised numerous Ph.D. and M.Phil. candidates, enhancing both academic scholarship and public awareness of Odia culture and folklore.
A respected figure in Odisha’s arts and literature, he is proficient in Odia, English and Sanskrit and continues to engage as a speaker, consultant and educator. His research interests encompass folk narrative traditions, dramaturgy in folk performance and language studies, with a strong emphasis on preserving and promoting regional heritage.
The journey
Five years of Mishrashala
2021
The first exhibitions
Mishrashala begins taking handmade folk objects into schools, colleges and the state-level Suravi Mela.
2022
Raj Bhavan and London
Rare Odishan crafts are shown to the Governor of Odisha; the founder builds a wooden chariot for Rath Yatra in Harrow, London.
2023
Into the colleges
Talks and exhibitions with college literary societies across Odisha.
2025
Youth Conclave, universities and a summer camp
Exhibitions at Fakir Mohan University, S.C.S. College and the Youth Conclave; training the trainers at the Regional College of Education; a summer camp for children from six schools; named in the NEP 2020 model Odia syllabus.
2026
An international seminar
With the Odisha Sahitya Akademi, the international seminar on Odishan indigenous physical folk instruments; 120 abstracts received, more than 70 published in Sampanlipi.
What we do
Exhibitions
A mobile museum that has travelled to schools, universities, Raj Bhavan and London.
See the activities →Education & research
NEP-recognised internships, dissertations, summer camps and an international seminar.
Learn with us →Visit
At-Mishraghara, Madhupatna, Cuttack. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am – 6 pm.
Plan a visit →Bring Mishrashala to your institution
Schools, colleges and universities can arrange an exhibition visit, a workshop or an internship. Tell us what you have in mind and we will reply with the details.