Bhubaneswar, June 3 -- Known across the world for its ancient Buddhist heritage, Lalitgiri in Odisha's Cuttack district is now seeking recognition for another legacy that has thrived for generations, its exquisite stone carving tradition.

For centuries, skilled artisans in Lalitgiri under Mahanga block have been transforming ordinary stones into intricate sculptures of deities, decorative pieces and architectural works. The rhythmic sound of chisels striking stone echoes across the village every day as craftsmen devote themselves to preserving a centuries-old art form.

Home to more than 400 stone artisans, the village is widely known for producing finely crafted stone sculptures that are supplied to temples and customers across the stat...