Odisha

Tradition and Culture of Odisha:

Located towards east, Odisha has its own vibrant culture with colorful tradition. It is an important cultural state and a major pivot of pilgrimage in India. Odisha is a place where lakhs of devotees comes here to find moksha. It has rich cultural heritage and presently a thriving centre for commerce and business. It is a bustling state where the history is beautifully knotted. Being a pilgrimage destination it has several majestic temples such as the Lingaraj temple and the Parasurameswara temple. There are museums where you can see a huge selection of archaeological relics, weapons and local crafts. There are also some tribal groups in Odisha. It is a land inspired by culture and tradition. The state is also renowned for local crafts like Silver filigree work called Tarakasi, stone and woodcarving, paintings, silk and cotton fabrics, bamboo basketry, etc. The famous Odissi dance and music forms an integral part of their culture. Kalinga Mahotsav (promoting martial arts), Rajarani Music festival are some important festivals that are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Seafood, scrummy sweets and mouth-watering street-food form an integral part of the local cuisine that includes various recipes of lobsters and crabs.

Fairs and Festivals of Odisha:

The fairs and festivals in Odisha is a mirror of the lifestyle of the people of Odisha. These fairs and festivals attract a large number of visitors from all over the world throughout the year. Some of the major fairs and festivals of Odisha are:

Kalinga Mahotsava: Kalinga (major part of present Indian state of Odisha (Orissa)) once witnessed the bloodiest battles in the history of India by the Emperor Ashoka of Maurya Dynasty. He became a changed man from this place as he realized the hollowness of his victory. A buddhist monk named Upagupta help him to enlighten peace over sword.

Chandan Yatra: Having celebrated a host of religious festivals, the pious land of Puri celebrates the Chandan Yatra, a festival that marks the conclusion of the cycle of religious festivals. Starting from Akshyaya Trutiya the festival lasts for twenty-one days. The name of the festival is very symbolic as sandal paste popularly known as chandan and water are its inseparable constituents.

Durga Puja Odisha (Orissa): It is a famous festival celebrated by the entire Hindus in general and Bengalis in particular in the form of Durga puja to pay tribute to the goddess of power. The festival takes place in the month of Aswin or Kartik i.e. September and October according to the English calendar. An aggravated festive spirit engulfs every one as the ten armed image of the beautiful yet fierce goddess is erected in the puja pandal.

Konark Dance Festival: A marvelous dance festival celebrated from 1st to 5th Dec every year to pay tribute to a master piece in stone- Sun temple at Konark and is also well known for its colorful festivals. A large number of renowned classical dancers from all over the country perform on this festival.

Puri Beach Festival:This festival is celebrated at the Puri beach hence known as Puri Beach Festival which brings out the beauteous and splendid Oriya spirit. This festival is for the fun lovers and is conducted by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (Orissa) (HRAO), co-sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the Department of Tourism.

Rath Yatra: This is one the major festival of Odisha celebrated in the month of June or July This Chariot Festival is celebrated in the honor of Lord Jagannath who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Odisha (Orissa) Tourist Festivals: Check out some very famous Odisha (Orissa) Tourist Festivals : Ekamra Utsav - A lively downtown 15 days festival at Bhubaneswar in early January, Ekamra Utsav is a life time experience for the vacationers. The highlight of the festivities is Mukteswar Dance Festival held on the courtyards of this famed temple.

Odisha (Orissa) Tribal Festivals: Tribal Festivals of Odisha (Orissa): The festivals of the tribals 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.

Must Visiting Places in Odisha:

• Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneshwar: Bhubaneshwar is renowned as temple city. Lingaraj Temple is one of the most popular tourist destination in Bhubaneshwar.Inscriptions from the period of the Kalinga King Anangabhima III from the 13th century are seen here. It is an outstanding specimen of the Orissa style of temple building which is about a thousand years old. In the 7th century, it is said to have been built first by the ruler YayatiKesari, who shifted his capital from Jaipur to Bhubaneshwar.
• Parasurameswara Temple, Bhubaneshwar:The Parasurameswara temple is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneshwar city. This temple Parasurameswara is also spelt as Parsurameswar. It is believed to have been built around 650 AD. in Nagara style. The most attractive and uniqueness of this temple is the "One thousand Lingas placed in the North-West corner of the temple.
• Hirakud Dam, Bhubaneshwar: Hirakud Dam is one of the world 's longest man-made dams in the world constructed across the Mahanadi River. It is an important place of the tourist interest. Near the dam, there is a hill called Budharaja hill, where there is a temple at its top, known as Budharaja temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is another temple which is known as Ghanteshwari Templeis a must visit place.
• ISKCON Temple, Bhubaneshwar: It is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is the 108th and last temple project of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada which was completed and inaugurated in 1991. ISKON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temple serves as an alternative to Lord Jagannath temple of Puri as that temple is restricted to Indians.
• NandanKanan National Park, Bhubaneshwar: NandanKanan National Park is a bonatical park located 20 kmsfrom Bhubaneshwar lies in the vicinity of Kanjia lake. It was established in 1960. Literally, this national park means the "Garden of Pleasure." It is an ideal destination for people having a penchant for wildlife.
• Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Bhubaneshwar: It is another important tourist place to visit while taking tour to Bhubaneshwar. It is located at 10km away from Bhubaneshwar. Udayagiri means “Sunrise Hill”. These caves are also called lena in the inscriptionsduring the reign of Kharavela for the abode of Jaina ascetics.Udayagiri has a double storeyed monastery. Based on Hathigumpha inscription,B. M. Baruadeclared that a total of 117 caves were excavated by Kharavela and other on the Kumari hill (Udayagiri).
• Puri, Odisha: Puri is around 60km away from the city Bhubaneshwar. Puri is one of the most significant and pilgrimage tourist destination in Odisha. It is famous for Jagannath Temple, which is a sacred Vaishnava temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath. It is visited by lakh of devotees as it is one of the Char Dham pilgrimagesthat is a must visiting place one should visit one’s in a lifetime. This temple is constructed by King Chodagangadeva who also built the Sun temple of Konark. This temple town welcomes both the pilgrims and fun seekers with open arms. 
• Konark, Odisha: Konark is another popular tourist destination in Odisha. The Konark is the third link of Odisha's Golden Triangle.It is around 72km from Bhubaneshwar. Itis constructed as a gigantic chariot with 24 wheels about three meters high and pulled by 7 horses, housing the Sun God within, dedicated to the sun god. The most popular attraction is the Konark Sun Temple. This Konark Sun Temple is also spelled as Konarak. It is a beautiful town of stunning monuments and scenic beauty and has been a World Heritage Site since 1984.
• Panchalingeswar, Balasore: Panchalingeswar Temple is a popular Hindu temple near Chandipur. It named after the five Shivalinga that are enshrined inside by Sita (wife of Lord Rama) during their exile. The linga is inside the water stream and one has to lie flat on the rock parallel to the stream to touch and worship the lingas. This temple is temple is on top of a hillock near the Nilagiri hill.
• RanipurJharial, Balangir: Ranipur Jharial are the twin village are a must visit while visiting Balangir. It is located at a distance of 105km from Balangir. The circular temple has 64 cells that once housed the sculptures of the 64 yoginis or goddesses.The most prominent of all the temples set on a rock outcrop is the Hypaethral Temple. It is 64 Yogini Temple made of brick. The archaeological site dates back to the 9th /10th century AD. It is also known as ‘Soma Tirtha’.
• Gandhamardana Hill: Gandhamardana hill is one of the most popular and important place for lakhs of devotees that attracts lots of tourist from far away. There is a legendary history behind this hill that is mentioned in the epic. According to Ramayana (Hindu Epic), it is said that when Lord Hanuman was carrying the entire mountain mass to Lanka for Laxman by providing him Sanjeevani to cure, a part of the mountain was dropped here on the way to Lanka. Now, there are many medicinal plants that are used for curing ailments. 
• Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha: It is a perfect wild adventure tourist nestled in the Baraphad Hills. It is located at a distance of 61km from Bargarh. It isan emerald heaven and famous for being the base for Veer Surendra Sai, a freedom fighter who was said to be caught here by the British officials. The sanctuary also houses an artificial water reservoir, Hirakud reservoir that attracts a number of birds that migrate here during the winters. This wildlife national park is also known for the waterfalls falling down the hillsides in the monsoon season. It is occupied by the species of tigers, leopards, sloth bears, chitals, sambars, and nilgais, along with a range of resident and migratory birds including the chousingha and the crested serpent eagle.
• Gopalpur Beach, Berhampur: Gopalpur Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Odisha.  It is an untouched and unspoiled tourist destination. The beach is clean and safe and less rush during day time. Tourist seeking for peaceful retreat it is a must visiting place to witness the sunrise and sunset views.
• Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha: BhitarkanikaNational Park is one of the popular tourist destination near Bhadrak. This sanctuary is the second largest mangrove ecosystem in India.The park is home to the saltwater crocodile, white crocodile, Indian python, black ibis, wild pigs, rhesus monkeys, chitals, darters, cobra, water monitor lizard. It has one of the largest populations of endangered saltwater crocodile in India. It used to be the hunting grounds of the erstwhile King of Kanika. One can explore this place by boating.
• Similipal Forest Reserve, Odisha: Similipal Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. It is located at a distance of 76km from Chandipur. This Tiger reservederives its name from the abundance of semul (red silk cotton trees) that bloom here. ‘Friends of Similipal Tigers’ is an innovative programme have been launched in Similipal Tiger Reservesince July2012. Tourist visiting this reserve can witness herds of elephants majestically walking across the roads. Best destination for wildlife tourism and photography lovers. 
• Barabarti Fort, Cuttack: Barabarti Fort is one of the popular historical monument located in Cuttack, Odisha. It is a major tourist destination built during the Ganga Dynasty in14th Century. This is a nine-storied palace that reminds the past memories of it. The main attraction of this Fort is Moat, Gates, Nine Storey. This fort is situated 8km from the city located on the western side of the city near the bank of Mahanadi River.
• Jeypore Palace, Jeypore: Jeypore Palace is the pride of the town and a centre of attraction of Jeypore. This palace was built by King Rama Krushna Deb. It is located in Sardar Patel road and is an architectural admiration. This ancient palace need more attention by the government of Odisha. 
• Jagannath Temple, Koraput: Jagannath Temple in Koraput is also known as SabaraSrikhetra. As it was built by the Sabaras (Tribes) of Koraput, the name of the temple got its name after him. This temple is similar to the original Jagannath temple in Puri. The environment is peaceful and many devotees visit this temple for worship.
• The Paradip Port, Paradip: Paradip port is one of the most popular port in the East Indian state of Odisha. It is one of the largest and major seaport of India. This port was founded by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in the year 1962. It also happens to be the chief sea-borne trade centre in the Bay of Bengal. It is a place admired by nature, and quite appreciating away from the chaotic city life.
• Laxminarayan Temple, Rayagada:This is a major tourist attraction places in the district of Rayagada. It is located at a distance of 25km from Rayagada District Headquarter. This temple was built over 14years back by the IMFA. Hundreds of devotees come here to worship the deities inside this temple including - Laxminarayan, Hanuman, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Lord Shiva. 
• Chatikona Waterfalls, Rayagada: Chatikona waterfall is one of the scenic waterfalls near Rayagada surrounded by a series of valleys and wooden hills. It is located at a distance around 48km from Rayagada. It is a centre of pilgrimage for the temple of Lord Mahadev.It offers picnickers to witness the gorgeous view of the waterfall.

Cuisines of Odisha:

The state of Odisha is so diverse and vibrant that each of its district exhibits a unique tradition, culture and even a distinctive food speciality. Odisha is famous for its rice dishes Rice dishes and rotis. Pakhala is a rice dish made by adding water to cooked rice. Khechidi is a rice dish cooked with lentils. Palau is a rice dish made from vegetables and raisins. Kanika is a sweet rice dish, garnished with raisins and nuts. Ghee rice is fried with ghee and cinnamon. Most of the people here are vegetarian due to the religious culture. But a some part of population also enjoy fish and other sea food delicacies like prawns, crabs and lobsters that are found in plenty at the vast coastline of the state. Cooked with little or absolutely no oil, Oriya food has a less calorific value.