Cultural Fairs and Festivals of Orissa

Fairs and Festivals in Orissa

Orissa observes a large number of festivals mostly associated with harvesting seasons, religion and temples. Orissa is a confluence of the Aryan, Dravidian and aboriginal cultures, thus celebration bring forth a grand collage of different rituals and traditions. There is no better evidence for this religion-spiritual yearning in its popular form than a fair or festival virtually every month in different parts of Orissa. The car festivals, yatras, melas, pujas and bratas or Oshas ( fasting ) involve mass participation, spread throughout the year. Many other festivals introduced by the department of Tourism and culture show case the rich heritage, art and culture of the State. Most of these held on a full moon or dark moon days confirm the common belief that planets and stars are forces influencing human life. Some of the major fairs and festivals are :

• Makar Sankranti / Mela


• Magha Sptami


• Dola Purnima


• Chaitra Parba


• Ashokastami


• Sitalasasthi


• Rath Yatra / Car Festival


• Raja Parba


• Durga Puja


• Bali Yatra


• Dhanu Yatra


• Mahasivaratri


• Tara Tarini Mela


• Konark Beach Festivals


• Ekamra Utsav


• Shreekshetra Utsav


• The Kaling Mohotsav


• Raja Rani Music Festivals


• District-wise Cultural Festivals


• Puri Beach Festivals


• Chhow Tribal Festival


• Folk Dance Festivals


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Makar Sankranti / Mela :



This Makar Sankranti or Mela come in the Mid of January in every year. This festival also famous for Pandu ( telugu people says ) festival in Andhra Pradesh. In Makar Sankranti, the sun God is worshiped with great enthusiasm and fervour all over the state as well as neighbour state ( Andhra Pradesh ). It is coincides with the end of harvest season and when the sun enters the orbit Capricorn. The biggest Chilika salt lake of India is the focus of attention where pilgrims from all over the state congregate to leave food offerings in a cave for the goddess Kalijai.



Magha Saptmi Festival :


This Magha saptmi occasion falls on the 7th day of Magha Month, in which thousands of pilgrims comes from all over the state to take a holi dip in the Chandrabhaga beach near Konark ( World Famous Heritage Sun Temple of India ). Prayers are held to the rising sun which is believed to cure skin ailments. Khandagiri, near Bhubaneswar Town is also observe the week long grand Magha Saptmi fair.



Dola Purnima :


Dola Purnima is the festival of Colours, popularly famous all over India as the Holi Festival, 5 days long festival in the rural area of Orissa. It starts on Phalgun Poornima day, marking the beginning of the spring season. The Idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha in decorated in Vimana ( small wooden temple ) are carried on shoulders from house to house to the chants of devotional hymns. The festivities culminate a day after poornima when people throw colour water and powder on each other. Cattles are bathed, anointed with vermilion, garlanded and fed sumptuously on this occasion.



Chaitra Parba :


This Chaitra Parba or Festival commencing every year in Mid of April. This two days popular folk festival is observed all over the Orissa. The Tribal or Adivasis people particularly the santal of the Mayurbhanj district performs Chhow, a war dance; for three days. The rural fisherman community holds the famous ghoda ( horse ) dance, moving to the beating of drums in elaborate costumes in processions through the streets. The southern parts of Orissa particularly in Ganjam and Gajapati District celebrates the Chaitra Parba festival as Dandayatra, a dance performed by a group of 13 persons, led by their leader ( Pata Bhokta ) holding a danda ( Stick ). The Ritual is evoked to seek the boon of Lord Shiva, especially for a child. Every part of the Ganjam district observed the festival with joy and great enthusiasm, specially in the Township of Berhampur (Orissa). This Chaitra parba also celebrated in the tribal districts of Orissa like Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nawarangapur, Kalahandi, and more districts. The tribal peoples of the areas celebrated this festivals with traditional culture like new harvest rice, Mango and other foods eating. The tribal men of the villages go to the forest for Sikara ( Hunting animals) and tribal women are preparing the foods and waiting for the men to welcome them. The women also visit near by villages or towns to give the traditional Prasad (sweets of gods). Throughout the night tribal peoples celebrate the cultural dance and music. In the costal region people celebrated the Jhamuyatra, the devotees perform penance in the honour of "Shakti" by walking on the fire or a bed of thorns.



Ashokastami :


This Ashokastami is celebrated on the 8th day of Chaitra Month. Specially this festival is observed Lord Lingaraj Temple, in the Capital city of Orissa i.e. Bhubaneswar. Ashokastami is the car festival of Lord Shiva in the Heritage Lingaraj Temple, the daity is taken out in a chariot from the main temple to Rameswar temple and return after a 4 day stay. In this festive time there are lot of cultural programs are performed in the city of Bhubaneswar.


Sitalasasthi :


This festival comes in the month of May or June every year. Devotees gather to perform the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, a ritual celebrated with Pump and grandeur in every part of Orissa Specially in Sambalpur District and Bhubaneswar. A "Barat" ( marriage procession ) is taken out on the fifth night of the bright half of Jyestha to unite the two deities.



Rath Yatra or Car Festival of Puri :


The rich and vibrant culture of the state is best illustrated in the unique festival i.e Rathyatra or Car Festival of Puri. The biggest and grandest of all festivals, comes in the month of June and July every Year. From all over the globe devotees come to see the grand festival of Puri. The highlights is the journey of images of Lord Jagganath of Puri with elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra come out from the main temple and visit to the Gundicha temple. Peoples believes that in this car festival lord Jagannath come out to see their problems. In Gundicha temple Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Sister Subhadra stay for nine days and then returns to the main Jagannath temple. The mammoth wooden chariots carrying the three deities pulled by thousands of devotees present a spectacular scene. Lots of cultural programs are performed in this festivals. The king of Puri wash the street and the car or Rath, so that the Lord will take their throne. In this car festival Lord Balabhadra ( Elder brother ) car will pull first and then the Sister Shubhadra car and last the Lord Jagannath Car. To the Subhadra Car the women devotees would pull. The yatra begins on the second day of the lunar month (asadha). This is one of the famous and popular festival of Orissa.


Raja Parba :


This typically agrarian festival marks the beginning of the monsoon in the state of Orissa. Young girls especially in coastal plains dressed up as new brides in best clothes, jewellery and accessories can be seen eating pithas ( traditional cake ), chewing special paan ( betal) and riding the swings and sing raja songs. This Raja festival is observed for three days. Women/ girls sing songs and men/boys playing cards in these festivals. In this festival, produces are waiting for release their new movies in the film industry market of Orissa.



Durga Puja or Dussehra Festival :



Durga Puja is one of the most famous festival which is celebrated in the state with great enthusiasm and joy. The annual 10 days festival comes in the month of September or October every year. The tradition of worshipping goddess Durga alive with vigour and devotion. Huge pandals are set-up housing the idol of goddess Durga. The day after Dussehra festival marks the end of the festivals. Goddess Durga kills the Mahisasur Rakshyasa and save gods from the frequent attacks on Swarga ( mythological points where Gods are staying ). This Durga puja is celebrated specially in the Cuttack district. This Durga Puja is famous all over India and specially in West Bengal state celebrated with joy and great enthusiasm. After the Dussehra festival, the deities being carried in splendid processions with attractive backdrops and the huge flags of different hues and frenzied processionistsdancing to the beat of drums and music are a treat to watch. After bidding adieu to Durga Dashmi the city get ready to welcome Lakshmi Puja and colourful pandals are constructed to attracts both devotees and travelers.



Bali Yatra :


The successive kingdoms in Orissa had rich maritime trade with links to Bali, Java and Sumatra, with which came the cultural influences; reflected in the art of Ikat weaving and silver filigree work of Cuttack. To commemorate these old time links, a festival called Bali Yatra ( Fair ) is held on the banks of the river Mahanadi in Cuttack during the full moon of Kartik ( November/ December ). It is treat to witness tiny boats made of banana bark and lit with clay lamps floating in the river Mahanadi.



Dhanu Yatra / Festival :

The Bargarh Town in the Western Orissa comes alive during this colourful festival. Dhanu Yatra relates to the Mythological episode of Lard Krishna's visit to Mathura to witness the "BOW" ceremony organized by King Kansa( the uncle of Lord Krishna ) . The town becomes Mathura, the river Jira becomes Yamuna and the village Amapali across Jira represents Gopa. Thousands of assemble daily for 7-10 days festivals of Dhanu yatra to watch artists performing different acts inspired from puranic descriptions with great reverence.



Mahasivaratri or Maha Shiva Ratri :



Maha Shivratri or Maha Sivaratri or Shivaratri or Sivaratri (Night of Shiva or "Great Night of Lord Shiva") is a festival celebrated every year throughout the Orissa as well as entire India on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the month of Maagha or Phalguna in the Hindu Calendar. The Mahasivaratri festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael (Bilva) leaves to the Lord Shiva, all day fasting(bratas) and an all night long vigil. Cannabis is traditionally used as an offering for Lord Shiva and his followers. Per scriptural and discipleship traditions, the penances are performed in order to gain boons in the practice of Yoga and meditation, in order to reach the goal more swiftly and avoid rebirth.



Tara Tarini Mela or Festival :


This festival is mostly come in the month of March- April in every year. People celebrated this festival with joys and happiness. Tara Tarini Pitha or temple is located, 30 k.ms from Berhampur Town in Ganjam District. The Durga Puja symbolizing victory of Good or evil, people visit the famous puja mandaps at Cuttack and the 10th day is celebrated as Dushera.


Konark Beach Festivals :

This Konark Beach festival is observed Every 1 to 5 December of every year. The crowing glory of the temple architecture of Orissa the Sun Temple at Konark ( Black Pagoda ) plays host to the annual dance festival featuring Odissi and other traditional dance forms. The open air stage against the back drop of the floodlit temple reverberates with the beats of classical ragas and thalas to transport the audience in sheer ecstasy. The accompanying divine music and the breathtaking movements off the performers turn the event a truly out of this world spectacle. It appears as if the entire monument has come alive again. Besides this lavish feast for the eyes and ears, the festival involves display of traditional art and crafts making the glorious traditions of Orissa and an exhibition of exotic sand art.



The Ekammra Utsav or Mela or Fair :

A lively downtown 15 days festival at Bhubaneswar in early January, the Ekamra Utsav or Fair is a life time experience for the vacationers. The major highlights of the festivities is Mukteswar Dance Festival held on the courtyards of this famed temple where the eminent exponents of world famous Odissi dance enliven the stage with their magical performances of famous odissi dancers. Besides the dance performances, the visitors to Ekamra Utsav are treated to an expo of traditional arts and crafts, a flower show, a multicultural food court, a heritage walk and the attractive discounts offered by the leading shopping centre's to the tourist complement the festival mood. A Half Marathon Race Organized. This is the biggest ever in the state, traversing through important intersections of the city will add spice to this year's Utsav or Mela or Festival.



Shreeekshetra Utsav :

This festival is also known as the Puri Festival. Puri ( One of the holy chardham destination of Hindu Religion ) represents the rich traditional and culture of its people manifested in its various festivals celebrated throughout the year. The two weeks long extravaganza of arts and culture can be seen in Shreekshetra Festival is and authentic showcase of everything that's Orissa, offering handloom, cuisine, dance, music and its famed sand art.



The Kalinga Mahotsav or Festival :


This festival is observed every February month of the year. A grand festival of Martial Dance at Dhauli ( Famous Buddhist Pilgrimage Center ) this festival commemorates the victory of peace over the war where renowned dancers perform harmonizing the vigour of martial arts with sublime dance forms with their swords, spears and shields. This annual thrilling display of dances and music takes place at the foothill of the famous peace pagoda at Dhauli, Where Emperor Ashoka is believed to have fought the last battle before his metamorphosis into an apostle of nonviolence and peace.



Rajarani Music Festival ( February/March ) :


Against the backdrop of the Rajarani Temple of Bhubaneswar the musical evenings of this festival are resplendent with performances by eminent instrumentalists and vocalists of India. This festival showcase of the glorious tradition of Indian classical Music.



The other special festivals includes the parab festival, Mundei Festival of Nawarangpur and Vedavyas Sangeet Nrutiya Utsav celebrated in every corner of Orissa or Odisha.



Tribal Festivals of Orissa :


The state of Orissa is famous for ancient tribal people. There were numbers of Tribal tribes found in various port of Orissa. The tribal people of Orissa also observed various types of traditional and cultural festivals. The festivals of tribal's constitute a integral part of their social life and relate to their strong beliefs in the power of supernatural elements and community togetherness. Their traditions can best be captured at these fairs and festivals. Most festivals are occasions that mark the change of season relating to harvest of crops commemorating a local deity. Some of the larger and popular celebrations include a week long tribal fair at Bhubaneswar ( starts 26 January of Every year ), the Chhow Festival of Baripada Town ( April ), the Folk Dance festival ( January ) at Sambalpur town, the tribal festival (Parab Festival of Koraput, Parab Festival of Malkangiri, Parab Festival of Rayagada, Parab Festival of Nawarangpur, Parab Festival of Pantangi) are some of the famous tribal festivals celebrated in Odisha or the state of Orissa.



Innumerable folk traditions and spirits are manifested by way of observing vratas and oshas ( fasting ) by Hindu of Orissa. The observance is believed to resist the materialistic aspects of human life, augment belief in religion, brings welfare, prosperity and long life to the near and dear ones, recovery from ailments, beget a good match, and may be a bumper harvest. Most of these observations are marked by a spirit of sanctity, worship and painting walls and floors with rice paste.



The hotels of Orissa and Restaurant Association of Orissa organizes and extravaganza at the beautiful beach of Puri, the Puri Beach Festival in November. The events range from exhibition of handloom, rich cultural programmes and food festivals.



Come and celebrate some of the traditional, cultural festivals of Orissa with the people of Orissa. The will give you a lifetime experience for ever.

Orissa Arts and Crafts : Traditional painting - Pattachitras

Traditional painting - Pattachitras

The trubakm the folk and the classical are the three streams of the Orissan school of Painting. The classical Orissan painting, Pattachitras is painted on a specially prepared cloth ( Patta ), coated with earth to stiffent and finally finished with lacquer after painting, producing motifs in vibrant colors. Pattas are now used as well hangings. The subject matter of patta paintings are closely connected with the Jagannath cult and the episodes from Ram and Krishna life. Pattas showing in scenes of Rasa Lila, Vastra Haran, Kaliya Dalan images of Lord Jagannath musical themes of eroticism, nature and wildlife and sets of ganjapa cards, small circular cards made in sets of 96 discs, executed in vigorous folk style are special. The traditional chitrakars ( painters ) have the honour of painting the Puri temple deities and their chariots ( car ) every year.



Palm leaves ( chitra pothi ) have long been used as writing materials. An ecclusive indigenous tradition of Orissa, the craft of palm leaf manuscripts dates back to the medieval period. With the help of an iron pen or stylus ( kigabjabtaja ), the artist first inscribes the text or design on the surface of palm leaves, then applies a paste of tamarind seed, oil and charcoal. When the residue is rubbed off, the groove stands out distinctly. Usually the legends of the Mahabharata and Ramayana, images of gods and goddess, the nature and wild life themes are presented. The visual effects are enhanced using the vibrant vegetable and mineral colours. Romantic figures drawn on small leaves now serve as book marks, greetings cards and playing cards. Of late, the traditional artists clustered in the village of Raghurajpur, about 50 km from Bhubaneswar have revived the art from.



Originally, Pattachitra artists were settled by the Gajapati King of Puri to paint divine trinity on specially treated cloths to be hung inside the sanctum of Jagannath Temple for the darshan of devotees during Anavasar ( retirement in seclusion ) when the Lord steps out of the temple along with brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra to mingle with the masses, the occasion of annual Rath Yatra. Originating from this tradition, this art developed and gained popularity.




The village of Dandasahi near Raghurajpur has been identified as another centre. Ananta Moharana and his son Panu Moharana together have added some new elements to Patta painting.



Tribal Paintings in Orissa / Odisha :

The tribal paintings are intimately related to their religious beliefs and drawn to appease their deities. Idital is the ethnic painting of the Saora tribe usually depicting everyday like along with the concepts of retribution, punishment and rewards. The Saora artists use right angled triangles to cast the anthropocentric world in different moods and emotions. The Kondhs paint the walls of their houses with geometric patterns, called Manji Gunda ( seeds powder) while the santal paint the figurative designs. Wall paintings of Paudi Bhuyan reflect about agriculture whereas the wall paintings of Juang include animals, birds and flowers.



Rural Folk Painting :

During the auspicious harvest times, the rural women worship the goddess of wealth, the Lakshmi. The mud walls of the houses are washed with earth and cow dung and are allowed to dry. Then paintings are done on walls and floors using the diluted rice paste ( pithau). These are called Jhoti or Chita. For each auspicious occasion a specific motif is painted by womed folk – a stack of paddy in Lakshmi puja, white dots super impoed with red during Maa Durga Puja, pictures of palanquin and their bearers carrying the bride, Kalasha ( water pitchers ), banaba trees, floral designs, using finger as the brush.



The muruja is drawn on the floor with powders of different hues, white is made out of powdered rice or white chalkstone, black from burnt coconut shells, yellow from turmeric or mari gold flowers, red from powdered brick and the green from dry leaves. During the sacred month of Kartika, women draw muruja designs near the tulsi plant with great dexterity. Various lines and patterns are drawn by delicately sprinkling powder held between the tip of the thumb and ginger of the right hand.




Applique Work in Orissa People:

Another art that is rooted in the temple cult, the appliqué work, Pipli, a town 20 km from the southwest of Bhubaneswar town is famed. Traditional motifs such as elephant, peacocks, fish, flowers and geometric morifs are cult out of brightly coloured cloth and sewn on to a clothe background, to form harmonious designs with embroidery work. The artists produce the chariot cavers used in the annual Rath Yatra, the giant sized unbrellas used in processions and the small canopies suspended above the presiding image of the temples. Large appliqué canopies are an integral part of the marriage celebrations, Garden or beach umbrellas, cushion covers, wall hangings, lamp shades, heart shaped wooden shields ( arasa), bags etc. are also prepared out of appliqué work. Red, Yellow, white and black are the traditional colours used and green is a modern addition. The bold appliqué work of Butapalli, Kahllikote, Tusra and Chikiti is also brilliant.



Orissa Crafts and Textiles :

The distinctive hand-woven textile of Orissa in unusual patterns and vibrant colours is a traditional craft employing thousand in this cottage industry. The state is famous for its silk Ikat weaves, an intricate process ( bandha ) in which warp and weft threads are tie-dyed, to produce the designed pattern on the loom while weaving. Typical design motifs include rows of Birds and animals, fish, seashells, rudraksh beads and temple spires. Sambalpur, Berhampur, Mayurbhanj and Naupatna ( 70 km from Bhubaneswar ) all produce a striking range in tassar silk whose brilliance, glaze and texture is unmatched. The rare silk fabric produced at Nuapatna in Cuttack district embellished with verse from the Gitagovinda is used to dress the idols of Jagannath temple. The masters are well versed with centuries old details of silk worm cultivation and also create silk ties, stoles and other furnishing and dress materials.



The other typical varieties of Orissa saris both in silk and cotton are Khanduas having elaborates designs and a gloss, Berhampuri Patta, the Bomkai cotton sari from Ganjam district with temple spire pattern on the border, the rich red Jotai ikat, with rows stylized trees and temple spires on the borders, the Kotpad from the tribal region of Koraput district is unbleached cotton offset by a vibrant red dyed border, the Saktapada, the Taraballi and the Bichitrapuri etc. The tribal people of the state also excel in producing textiles of myriad hues using vegetable dyes.



Metal Crafts Work in Orissa :

The ethnic art of Dhokra is a metal casting technique, popularly known as the “lost and found technique” practicised by adivasis in Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts, the products are casted in brass by lost-wax process (dhokra ) with great skill from wires of bees-wax.

The dhokra pieces, usually figures of elephant, horse fish or tribal deities, decorated with intricate designs are collected as household decorative objects for their ethnic beauty and artistic ingenuity. Exhibiting a striking harmony of beauty and utility, the bell metal and brass utensils of Orissa find pride of place in the homes of Odisha. The brass fish of Ganjam, the beautiful lamps and stands, the bass figurine of Kantilo, metal castings (dhokras) of the Sithulias and the ware of Cuttack and Sambalpur are typical examples of Orissa’s Metal ware.

SILVER FILIGREE of Orissa :


An unique example of artistic excellence of Orissa is the best known metal work techniques, silver filigree, acclaimed for its excellent finish, fine foil texture and delicate artistry. Locally known as “tarakashi”, the threads drawn of strips of silver as fine as spider-web are woven by the silver smiths to create filigree ornaments, jewellery and utensils .Some of the designs are influenced by the mughals and identical art from Indonesia, testifying the art’s age old existence. Ornamental trees, brooch and pendant, peacock motif ships, Lord Krishna’s Chariot and the Konark chakra are some popular pieces of silver filigree work of Cuttack.


Horn Work in Orissa :

The craftsman of Cuttack and Parlakhemundi excel in skillfully fashion animal horns (mostly buffaloes) into stylized birds arrested in flight, animals of prey caught prowling, fighting bulls, deer nuzzling young, elephant rolling logs, pen stands, lamp stands and combs etc. Mstical, richly textured, delicately designed and bold in form articles are a class arts.


Others include Golden Grass Work, items like baskets, table mats, curio boxes and hats, the Terracotta images of gods and goddesses and household objects, artifacts made of coir fibre, mainly decorative animal figures, basketry, cane and bamboo products, beautiful objects of seashell and the Lacquered toys and Bangles.

Orissa Arts and Crafts :

The state of Orissa was also famous or referred to as Utkala, “ the land of excellence in arts”. A treasure throve of exquisite handicrafts, it also has a rich diversity of traditional arts forms. Look out for a village where the work is actually produced with great reverence and creativity. The art of early sculptures and the superb carving on the famous temples of Orissa, a glorious tradition which reached the zenith of perfection during the Kharavela and Ganga kingdoms is kept alive by modern craftsmen. The traditional tie and dye textiles from the western Orissa, particularly Sambalpur, the texture and designs, are matchless. The folk craft and village figures replicated in brass, bell metal and the silver figure work of Cuttack is outstanding. The brightly coloured wood carving of the deities and the paper machine masks come from Orissa.



The appliqué work of Pipili and the Patta miniature of Raghurajpur are the most sought after souvenirs. The state of Orissa offers a striking selection of decorative and utilitarian arts and crafts.



Carving is divided into again divided into two parts i.e. Stone carving and Wood Carving.



Stone Carving :

One is bound to get enraptured by a craftsman delicately chiseling the stone to create poetry out of it. Beautiful life-size statues of gods and goddesses and the celestial beauties carved from stone stone, Kochila ( a locally available hard stone), sand stone and serpentine stone, reflect the grandeur of a rich heritage. Smaller replicas of the temples and other votive objects, and the Konark wheel, the rearing horse bestride the fallen hero, the majestic statue recreating the slaying of demon king by Nrishingha, an incarnation of Vishnu art. Along with intircarely caved ashtrays, flower vases, lamp bases and containers of daily use are turned out by families in Bhubaneswar, Puri, Lalitgiri and Khiching.


Wood Carving:

Another age old carft of Odisha, the wood artifacts are plain and shining with smooth polish and without any paint or coating of lacquer on them, combining the harmony of both folk and classical form. The treasures include toys, human and animal figures, flower vases, pen stands, boxes, bowl made by craftsmen from Puri, Bargarh and Khandapara. The brightly painted articles are singularly attractive.



Paintings is another way of define the cultural and traditional view of arts and crafts of Orissa. Painting arts is basically divided into three major categories i.e. Rock painting, Tribal Painting and Rural Folk Painting etc. Below you can find the details of paintings.



Rock Painting :

You can find the Rock painting and pictographic writings in Western part of Orissa, Vikramkhol in Jharsuguda, Manikmada and Ushkothi in Sundergarh, Gudahandi in Kalahandi and Jogimath in Naupada district indicate existence of prehistoric art in Orissa.

The painting range from small geometrical and floral patterns to big animal motifs and human figures are shown hunting, fighting, dancing and doing domestic chores. Most on the walls follow a sequential, horizontal pattern. Coloured used are red extracted from iron, brown from copper and white from lime compounds. The characters of the pictographic writings appear to be a mix derived from Mohanzdaro and Brahmi scripts. The Ravana Chhata Rock at Sitabinji in Keonjhar district contains a painting of very high order, depicting the procession scene of a king riding a caparisoned elephant with soldiers holding shafts and banners, followed by a female attendant. This painting carries reminiscence of Ajanta murals. Splendid murals adorn the inside of the Jagannath Temple, the Buddha Vijay painting in the jagamohana of the Lakshmi Temple and the Kanchi Vijay in the Jagamohana of the Jagannath Temple.

Orissa Beaches

Introduction of Orissa Beaches :

Orissa boasts of a beautiful coastline. A lacy frill of golden sands edges the Bay of Bengal. The popular sun drenched eastern beaches of Orissa are Konark, Puri and Gopalpur-on-sea. Coconut palms sway gently in the breeze, dictating an ambience of Sun, golden sands fun filled destination attracts tourist from all over the globe. The coastline of Orissa covering the length of 482 K.M., the beautiful beaches filled with shimmering golden sands and palm trees. The Orissa tourism not only famous for its world heritage monuments, ancient temples, rich culture, tribal peoples but also for the beauty and charms of these unspoiled beaches. Some of the major beaches of Orissa are Puri Beach, Konark Beach, Chandrabhaga Beach, Paradeep Beach, Gopalpur-on-sea, Chandipur Beach and Balighai Beach etc.


Puri Beach :

Come and enjoy the wonderful holiday vacation in the Puri Beach of Orissa. The City of Puri is not only famous for Holy temples but also known as one of India's finest beaches. The beautiful beach located on the shores of Bay of Bengal. In Puri Beach has been witnessing for venue of countless domestic pilgrims taking the traditional holy dip ( Purification bath ). Enjoy an exciting haunting opportunity with its wild sea waves and wilder spread waters on the Puri beach. Take a panoramic view of the sunrise and sunsets in the Puri beach give you amazing holiday experience. Puri Beach is consider as one of the most favorite vacation destinations in Orissa. Every year beach festival observed in Puri beach attracts tourist not only from Orissa but also from various parts of India. The beach festival is observed in the November and it offers an amalgamation of modern as well as classical forms of entertainment. Puri Beach Festival is a four-day long annual festivity that offers a variety of cultural events, amazing from fashion shows and various music shows.


Konark Beach :

Konark, The Sun Temple, one of the famous world heritage center located in Orissa. The scrawling beach at Konark stretch of clean sands and cool blue sea attracts tourist from the world. A evening walk in the Konark beach gives a pleasant experience. This Konark Beach also know as Chandrabhaga beach. Enjoy an exciting and amazing view of sun setting on the horizon has more of calming effect than mesmerizing. The magnificent Konark beach have been known to tourism world for its own lovely serenity. The immense backdrop of the Sun Temple at Konark gives breathtaking view in the evening. Every year in the month of December a festival held in Konark that attracts tourist. The annual Chandrabhaga beach fair or Konark dance Festival, offers the opportunity to see some famous classical dancers of India who perform various dance forms like Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Chhow etc. The handicrafts, cuisine and traditional culture of Orissa will not fail to charm you.


Gopalpur-on-Sea :


The beautiful small beach of Gopalpur, located on the shores of Bay of Bengal. The Gopalpur beach located about 16-km from Berhampur Town, is a splendid retreat for sea worshippers. This splendid Gopalpur beach is ideal for boating and yachting. Come and explored into the Gopalpur-on-Sea, which is a delightful and excellent destination for sailing. Gopalpur is also known for seafood lover's paradise. The golden beach filled with palm trees, sand dunes and ruins of an old jetty make this an ideal tourist spot for relaxing and a fun filled holiday destination. In the period of British empire, the East India Company built huge warehouses and godowns for the trade with Burma and Gopalpur had become one of the major trading point for rice from Rangoon. Grab the opportunity at the Gopalpur-on-sea to collecting seashells from the shore or the pearly white conch. Gopalpur beach is well connected with the rail and the road transport. Berhampur (Orissa ) is the nearest railway station for Gopalpur. The Berhampur University is the nearest location to visit. Most of the students visited the Gopalpur beach every day. Gopalpur post and light houses are other attractions of Gopalpur. The other tourist attraction spots are Chilika, the largest brackish water lake in India and the sulphur-spring of Taptapani. Besides the bewitching beach you may explore the marvelous mango orchards of the colorful village near by Gopalpur city.


Chandipur Beach :


Chandipur is a peaceful beach is located 16 K.M. away from Balasore town. Chandipur is one of the famous rocket launching station in India. The amazing beauty of the Chandipur beach with Casuriana trees attracts tourist from all over the India as well as abroad. Chandipur is a beach-combers delight with its abundant sea-shells and driftwood. A beach festival held every year in Chandipur. A dancer festival is also organized which include various dance forms such as Chhau,Ghoda Nacha and Sambalpuri dance performances by professional troupes.


Paradeep Beach :


Paradeep is one of the famous and oldest port city of Orissa, India. In ancient time the traders of Orissa uses the Paradeep beach and port for the trading point to visit the Somalia, Egypt and other country. This picturesque view of the Paradeep Beach is one of the most ideal spot for a beach holiday destination. Paradeep beach is filled with evergreen forests, with islands and creeks, a good marine drive attracts tourist to this beach. Paradeep port is a major commercial seaport of the India. Paradeep beach is also blessed with many natural sites and beaches. Perhaps the most prominent tourist attraction spot near Paradeep beach is the Baladeva temple, Orissa. Come and enjoy the wonderful holiday vacation in the Paradeep Beach of Orissa.


The Other beaches of Orissa like Balighai Beach, Orissa. The Casuarina fringed Balighai beach, located 8 km from Puri, is a famous picnic spot. You may take a glimpse of the shy Baliharina deer who inhabit on their natural habitats in the area. The Sea Turtle Research Centre is another attraction of this beach.

Come and explored the unexplored tourist destination of Orissa, India.

Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks of Orissa, India

Introduction of Wildlife Parks of Orissa

For Nature lovers, the state of Orissa offers delightful and adventurous wildlife tour. I simply love this place. There is nothing as exotic tourist destination on earth as like Wildlife. There are variety and rare kinds of specious animals in the earth like Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, Elephants, birds, crocodiles and reptiles can be spotted in the Orissa. The dense forest are the idle nest for the specious animals like Deer, Sambar, Black Panthers, Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Hyena, Wildboar, Bear, Porcupine, Reptiles, Blackbuck, Monkey, Squirrel, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackel, Karanja Lizards, Chameleon and Mangoose. Come and enjoy the exciting wildlife tour experience by visiting the most famous wildlife sanctuaries like Nandankanan, Similipal and Bhitakanika. This wildlife tour of Orissa giving the tourists an excellent opportunity to see nature's bounty, propagated. You can view the rare Tigers like White Tigers as well as Royal Bengal Tigers on the wildlife national parks of Orissa.



Nandan Kanan Wildlife Sanctuary :


This wildlife park established in the year 1979 on the Chandaka Forest of Khurda District. The name Nandankanan means "garden of pleasure", and this park combination of zoo, botanical garden and sanctuary 15-20 km from Bhubaneswar, the capital city Odisha. This wildlife sanctuary covering the 4.40 sq.km. area approximately. Nandan Kanan also famous for breeding center for gharial crocodiles. This wildlife sanctuary is famous for - the white tiger, with important research and breeding center. This Nandan Kanan wildlife park, endangered with variety of other species such as the Asiatic Lion, three Indian crocodilians, sanghai, lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Indian pangolin, mouse deer and countless birds, reptiles, and fish. You can enjoy the rope-way journey that connecting to the Zoo with the Botanical Gardens over the lake. The boating facilities offers excellent entertainment opportunity for the tourists. A thrilling experience awaits you on the Lion Safari ( a wide stretch of open ground infested with Lions where the tourist get the chance to see lions on their natural habitat). The toy train journey with your children and family have added new feathers to Nandan Kanan, that making it a hot family favorite destination.


Similipal Wildlife Park :



Similipal National Park is not only the wonderful wildlife sanctuaries of Orissa but also one the famous wildlife national park of India. Similipal wildlife park is one of the 18 tiger conservation parks of India, situated in the district of Mayurbhanj, Odisha. This similipal national park spread over a sprawling area of 2750 sq. kms approximately. The beautiful waterfalls, deciduous trees and Sal forests surrounded by thick wooden slopes, ridges, luxuriant grassland and picturesque hills. In 1973 Simlipal was declared as one of the tiger reservation projects in the country. In 1979 it declared as the wildlife national park of Orissa, India. The panoramic view of the waterfalls at Barehipani and joranda are simply enchanting of fish, are abundance in most of the rivers in the similipal park. You can find a wide variety of rare species in the reserve of similipal including spices like Tigers, Panthers, Elephants, Gaurs, Four horned Antelopes etc. Ratel, Pangolin, Giant squirrel, sambar, Cheetal and many more. The park has innumerable medicinal and aromatic plants, which act as a major source of income for the tribals people of the area. This wildlife tour of Similipal gives you an amazing travel experience for ever.


Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary :



Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the popular and most renowned wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha or Orissa. This Bhitarkanika wildlife park is famous for the rare breeding center for the Olive Ridley turtles and crocodiles. This wildlife sanctuary is spreading near about 650 sq kms area approximately and was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1975. In 1998 is converted into a national park. The rare species called Olive Ridley Sea Turtles flock here as one of the major tourist attraction of the park. The thick mangrove forest of Kendrapara district of Orissa, is home to a number of endangered and migratory birds. Tourist can find variety of reptiles, different types of mammals, birds, amphibians and fish in this park. Some of the rare mammals such as Hyena, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Smooth Coated Otter, Civet, Indian Porcupine, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer and Sambar. Visitors get the chance to view the precious inhabitants spices on their natural habitat.



Some of the other popular wildlife sanctuaries in Orissa include Gahirmatha, Chilka, Sunabeda, Kotagarh, Karlapat and Debrigarh sanctuaries.

Arts and Culture of Orissa :

The State of Orissa, a renewed traditional classical i.e. Odissi dance, one of the famous form of classical dance of India. There were some famous Odissi dancer perform the classical dance in all over the world. The Odissi dance come to limelights of some of the famous Guru like Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Guru Pankaj Charan Das, Guru Surendranath Jena, Guru Gangadhar Pradhan and many more. The famous Odissi dancer Sanjukta Panigrahi, perform this dance all over the Globe. This state Orissa is also famous for its traditional music, silverware, famous handicrafts and sculpture. People of Orissa observed various famous cultural festivals through out the years. Some of the famous festivals like Holi, Diwali, Durga Puja, Rath Yatra Shiv Ratri and many More.


Tourist Attraction Spots of Orissa :

Orissa, the home of rich heritage monuments and tourist destinations of India. Come and explore some of the famous tourist destinations of Orissa like Konark Sun Temple, Puri – Jagannath Temple and Bhubaneswar – Lingraj Temples. This famous tourist places also known as the Golden triangle of Eastern India. You can find numbers of religious scared places in Orissa for various religious like Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The tourist of Globe most frequently visited the historical heritage monuments and ancient temples of Orissa.

The Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa, has the most important temples like Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani Temple, Mukteswar Temple, Dhauligiri Temple ( Famous for ancient monuments of Buddha ) and more.

Lingaraj Temple :

The Lingaraj Temple is dedicated for Lord Shiv, as one of the famous temple of Orissa. The high of this beautiful sculptures approximately 54.8 meters and an huge idol of Lord Shiv around 8 feet. The famous monuments build around 11th century A.D. This temple was constructed by King Jajati Kesheri, the Somavanshi (dynasty) King. Lingaraj temple that have been made by using solid red sandstones.

Rajarani Temple :

This Rajarani Temple is build around 11th Century A.D. The wonderful temple is made on Red and gold sandstones. This temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma. The other Lord Brahma temple located in Pushkar, in Rajasthan famous for the Pushkar camel Festival.
This beautiful Rajarani temple of Orissa, has also been ornamented with marvelous artistic sculptural carvings and stands enclosed within a beautiful garden.

Mukteshwar Temple :

This Muktheswar temple is other famous temples and tourist destinations of Bhubaneswar Orissa. This temples also dedicated to Lord Shiv. This temple is established during to the 10th – 11th Century A.D. This 34 feet high small temple standing gracefully with an elegant architecture as well as witness to the beautiful art work of Orissa people.

Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves :

Come and take a glimpse of the beautiful caves of Udaygiri and Khandagir witnessed for the ancient caves work of Orissa artist. The Udaygiri caves are approximately 135 feet height and the Khandagiri Cave is around 118 feet high approximately. This caves are made around 2nd century BC.

Puri, the holy destination for Hindu religious people. Puri is famous for the ancient temple of Jagannath Temple, build in the 12th century A.D. Puri Jagannath Dham is one of the famous dham ( Sri Purusottama Dham ) of Hindu religious people. The city of Puri, situated near about 60 k.m distance from Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa. The golden beach of Puri is the other attractions. Ratha Yatra is the world renewed festival observed with cultural harmony, brotherhood and with jays and happiness.

Konark, the famous city is situated approximately 65 k.m. from the Bhubaneswar. This city is famous all over the world for its famous Sun Temple as one of the world heritage destination. The famous Sun temple of Konark, Orissa established on 13th Century A.D. The architectural beauty of stone designed as a Chariot of the Sun God with 12 giant wheels fixed on both sides, whirled by seven horses is the translation of a Rig Vedic allegory in the stone. This Konark Sun Temple is also famous for the "Black Pagoda.” Every year there is a dance festival conducted in Konark and its famous for “Konark Dance Festival.” The early sun rise at Chandrabhaga near Konark attracts thousands of tourist from all over India as well as from the world. The Sun Temples is build in such a way that the first ray of sun rise will spot on the God Sun on the Temple.

Chilika Lake :

This Chilika lake is one of the largest lake of India but also the largest Lake in Asia Continent. This beautiful salt lake stretching over an area of 1,100 sq km approximately. It is one of the popular picnic spots as well as offers other opportunity like bird watching, fishing, boating on the lake.

Orissa Travels Information Guide

Introduction about Orissa


Come and explore one of the Glorious eastern state of India
i.e. Orissa or popularly famous for Odisha. This state having
its reach culture, heritage monuments, flora and fauna and
some of the spectacular virgin beaches, lakes and lagoon,
ancient tribal peoples, wildlife sanctuaries/ parks attracts
tourist from all over the globe.


Orissa, the scenic serene of sublime spread over an area of
1,56,707 sq. kms. approximately. The state of Orissa or Utkal / Kalinga ( ancient name ) surrounded with Bay of Bengal on the east, the state of Chhatisgarh on the west, Beautiful Andhra Pradesh on the south and West Bengal and Jharkhand on the Northern part. This state is famous for Konark ( The Sun
Temple of India ), also famous for state of temples like Tamil Nadu, India.



Accessibility :

Orissa is well connected with all parts of India by air, Rail,
and Road. The Capital city of Orissa, i.e. Bhubaneswar. The
Bhubaneswar Airport is well connected with major cities like
Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and
more. Major domestic airlines are operating regular flights
for Bhubaneswar. Odisha also connected with all over India by
rail. Various super fast trains, fast trains express trains are passing through the rich cultural state. Odisha provides
excellent road transport service to and from the state.
Visitors can also hire Taxis and Auto-rickshaws in all
tourist centers at very negotiated price.