Odisha

In Odisha, the soul of India, witness the synthesis of art, culture and architecture. This Indian state is blessed with rarest tourist attractions, rich flora and irresistable wildlife in a series of pristine habitats. Come explore the hidden facets and enchanting beauty of Odisha. Odisha, originally known as the land of Lord Jaganath, is a beautiful state full of prehistoric temples, mesmerizing beaches, ancient monuments, serpentine rivers, mighty waterfalls and what not. This state promises a veritable wonderland waiting to spellbind you with its exceptionality. Be it the famous Rath yatra or the distinctive classical dance Odissi, the sate never misses a chance to entice you with its uniqueness and the divine feel.
Full of wonderments all around, Odisha is blessed in abundance with the natural scenic beauty, calm and composed environs, picturesque hills and historical attractions. The destinations here are easily accessible, well-connected and conventionally beautiful. They speak of either the bygone history or the sanctified aura of the region. Here is the places which add magnificent touch to the natural wealth of the state.

 

LIP-SMACKING CUISINE:

Odisha has a culinary food tradition since centuries. Major delights here are of the non-vegetarian and fish which form an integral part of the state's traditional food. The people here follow a distinctive cooking style which reflects in its tastes too.

 

The food in region around Puri is sweeter as they use of sugar and jiggery in the ingredients. The Berhampur region has influences of south Indian cuisine and the Gopalpur town has delicious fishes and green coconuts to satisfy appetite and thirst perfectly.

 

Curries are prepared from prawn and lobsters are made delicious with the spices. Pakhala, khechadi, Palau, dalma, aloo potalo rosco, maccha besara, mahura are the local food items of Odisha that portrays the simpler lifestyle of native people here.

 

SHOPPING:

Handicrafts and handlooms are the must-shop here as a rich and antique craftsmanship is deeply rooted in the state's tradition. It is a true legacy of several religions that reflects easily in the Oriyan crafts. The beautiful objects made of seashells are worth buying. They not only serve as a great gift but a nice decorative piece too. Metal crafts have also come up as one of the best items to buy here. The Government emporia are running all over the state.

 

Next time when you pack your bags and plan your vacation to Odisha, be ready for a nice escape in its evergreen, enchantingly breathtaking natural and historic beauty.

 

THE FESTIVE SPIRIT OF ODISHA:

With all the traditions, gaiety and high festive spirits, people of Odisha celebrate all the festivals with utter delight and fondness. Some of the important fairs and festivals are given below:

 

Konark Dance Festival

Organised every year in Odisha, in the backdrop of the sun temples, a Konark Dance Festival is one of the major festivals celebrated in the state. Konark's Sun Temple is known as a world heritage site and the exquisite 'Natyamandir' of this mesmeric shrine is an attractive piece of architecture with embellished sculptures portraying the dance poses of Odissi.

 

The Konark dance festival Odisha is organized by renowned Odissi guru Padmashree Gangadhar Pradhan's Odisha (Orissa) Dance Academy in association with the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Kolkata at Konark. As the sun sets, the open air auditorium rejuvenates the meaning of life with the sweet rhythms playing around giving a touch of magnificence to the event.

 

On the day of celebration, the place is entirely filled with the traditional music spreading out the saintly vibes all around and this classical gala takes you through a never-ending bliss. The performances take place in an open-air auditorium against the backdrop of the temples that echoes with the beats of 'Raga' and 'Tala'. Much appreciated dances like Odissi, Bharathnatyam, Chau Dance, Kathak and Manipuri are also performed. The mesmerising sound of Ghungroo, flute and pakhauj gets you in the perfect festive mood. A not-to-be missed Crafts Mela is also organised which serves you a wide range of handicrafts and appetizing cuisines.

 

This festival serves as a great platform for those who participate and portray the various classical treats from every corner of the country. And it proves to be new modus-operandi for the budding artists who are yet to make their presence felt on an international scale.

 

Konark festival is held every year from 19th to 23rd February.

 

Maha Vishuba Sankranti

Also known as Mesha Sankranti, this festival is celebrated when Sun enters the sign Libra. The Odia community celebrates New Year on the occasion. On this particular day, a small pot filled with pana or a sweet drink of Mishri and water is hung on a basil (Tulsi) plant. There is a hole at the bottom of this pot which allows the water to fall from the pot, representing rain. The flour of horse gram chhatua, along with banana and curd, is consumed by the people of Odisha after offering it to the Tulsi plant.

 

A sweet concoction known as pana is prepared and distributed among one and all. Poetry reading sessions and literary functions are also organized this day. Special offerings are made to Shalagram, Shivalinga, Hanuman, and other deities. In Northern Orissa it is called Chadak Parva. In Southern Orissa the day is celebrated as the end of month-long Danda nata, and the final ceremony is known as Meru Yatra. People all over the state worship Hanuman on this day and celebrate it as his birthday.

 

Rath Yatra (Puri)

Ratha Yatra is a major Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath held at Puri. Odisha which involves moving deities Jagannath, Subhadra, and Balabhadra, on a ratha, a wooden chariot.

 

The Puri Rath Yatra attracts more than one million pilgrims every year, not only from India but also from different parts of the world. The festival is known as the symbol of equality and integration. The devotees start decorating and adorning the raths much before the yatra starts and this when the celebration begins. The three chariots that are the highlights of the entire Yatra are pulled by strings. The 3 deities, Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and their sister Subhadra are worshipped within the temple, on this festival they are taken to the streets of Puri so that everyone takes the opportunity to see the deities.

 

The festival commences with summoning ceremony in the morning and the chariot pulling on in afternoon is the most enlivening part of the festival. One of the most famous ritual associated with this festival is Chhera pahara, as the the Gajapati King sweeps all around the deities and chariots. He then cleanses the road with a broom (gold-handled) and sprinkles sandalwood water and powder. This custom is symbolic of equality shown as it displays a clear message that all are devotees, be it a king or a common man. This ritual is held on two days, firstly on the Rath Yatra Puri when the three deities go to their aunt's house for a period of nine days and lastly on the day when they are ceremoniously brought back to the Puri Temple.

 

This Rath Yatra is momentous in the entire history of Odisha and is witnessed with millions of devotees and visitors flocking together to pay their homage.

 

Other significant festivals and fairs celebrated in Odisha are: Akshya Trutiya, Chandana Yatra, Raja Festival, Nagapanchami, Ganesa Puja, Baliyatra and many more which add to the festive mood of state making it dance with joy and colorful hues.