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Introduction
Odisha, a state with a long and illustrious history, is rich in natural beauty and adventure. The not-so-developed state of Odisha, which is populated by tribal people, must be visited to witness the various wonders it has in store for all. A long and pristine coastline, palm-fringed beaches, ancient ruins, magnificent temples, glistening rivers, lofty mountains, placid lakes, and wildflowers are just a few of the attractions.
 
Odisha is a coastal state in India's easternmost zone. On the eastern side, it is bordered by the mighty Bay of Bengal. A large portion of the state is covered by mountain ranges. There are also plateaus, islands, and rolling uplands in the state. The state's main rivers are the Mahanadi, Brahmani, Subarnarekha, Baitarani, Budhabalanga, and Rushikulya.
 
The majestic Jagannath Temple is one of the many historical and religious monuments in Odisha tourism. Every year, visitors will marvel at the breathtaking Rath Yatra and take part in the enthralling Konark Dance Festival. The monsoon season normally brings the state to a halt, but the people's spirits remain unchanged. Performing arts and traditional crafts are highlights that tourists to Odisha tourism are surprised to find. Raghurajpur, a heritage village, is a great example of the many different art forms that still exist and flourish in Odisha. Odisha tourism is highly regarded by adventurers and offbeat travellers.
 
08 Nights / 09 Days

Explore Villages of Odisha

07 Nights / 08 Days

Temple Tour Of Odisha

16 Nights / 17 Days

Temple Tour Of Odisha with Bihar and North

09 Nights / 10 Days

Temple Tour of Odisha

10 Nights / 11 Days

Odisha Tribal Trekking Tour

18 Nights / 19 Days

Central India Tribal Tour With Odisha

12 Nights / 13 Days

The Tribal Trails of Odisha

16 Nights / 17 Days

Odisha, Bihar with North India Pilgrim Tour

12 Nights / 13 Days

Tribal Tour of Odisha

Traditions and Culture
On the country's east coast is Odisha (formerly known as Orissa), the battlefield for Ashoka the Great's famous Kalinga war. When the sun rises here, it rises over a land of temples that thrive on a heritage-based foundation. Bhubaneswar, the "city of temples," was the ancient capital of Kalinga and was named after Tri Bhubaneswar, the "Lord of Three Worlds."
 
Odisha is renowned for being one of India's most religiously diverse nations. In Odisha, Hinduism is practised by over 95% of the population. This is because the Hindus of Odisha adopt a unique Lord Jagannath tradition. Buddhism and Jainism are the other two major religions in Odisha, after Hinduism. Jainism was the national religion during the reign of Emperor Karakandu in the 7th century BC. Until the late Bhaumakar dynasty's rule, Buddhism was also a religion in Odisha. Dhauli, Lalitagiri, Khandagiri, and other impressive archaeological sites can be found here. The Buddhist influence on the people of Odisha can also be felt.
 
Agriculture is naturally one of the key occupations for the people who live here, as the state is still mostly inhabited by tribal. Fishing, like aquaculture, is a good earning sector because it is close to the oceans and has some good ports. The remainder of the occupations market is made up of small scale industries and handlooms.
 
 
Odia is the official language of the majority of the population. The state's language is part of the Indo-Aryan family, which includes Bengali and Assamese. Few tribal languages belonging to the Dravidian and Munda language families are still spoken by the state's Adivasis. Hindi and English are common in urban areas.
 
Dhoti and Kurta are the traditional clothes of Odia men, while Saree is the traditional dress of Odisha women. Handlooms of Odisha manufacture a wide range of sarees, which are available in various locations throughout the state. In India, the Maniabandha saree, the Sambalpuri Pata saree, the Berhampur Pata saree, and the Puri Patachitra saree are all very popular. People in Odisha now favour western clothing.
 
Odisha has a diverse range of dance and musical styles. Odissi, which was originally performed by Devadasis, bears the most similarity to temple culture of any modern form of dance. It usually portrays Lord Krishna's divine love for his consort Radha, taking inspiration from poet Jayadeva's lyrical compositions. Ghumura Dance is one of Odisha's most common folk dance styles. Ruk Mar Nacha (Chhau dance) is a mock fight in which two groups of dancers each strike and defend themselves with swords and shields. Baagh Naach, also known as Tiger Dance, is a performance in which dancers paint their bodies to resemble tigers. During Dussehra, the Dalkhai Dance is performed. There are various other forms like Dhap dance, Karma Naach, Keisabadi and Goti Pua.
 
Odissi music dates back over two thousand five hundred years and is classified into many groups. Odisha's music, in the forms of Triswari, Chatuhswari, and Panchaswari, underwent transformation and was adapted to the classical style by the eleventh century. Yogi Gita, Kendara Gita, Dhuduki Badya, Prahallad Natak, Palla, Sankirtan, Mogal Tamasa, Gitinatya, Kandhei Nacha, Kela Nacha, Ghoda Nacha, Danda Nacha and Daskathia are examples of folk music.
 
Odisha is known for its diverse range of artistic expressions. The rock art paintings are among the best available. The most unique is sand artwork, which can be found on beaches and is popular among tourists. They are done keeping in mind the appearances of Hindu gods. Other products include handcrafted jewellery and pattachitra, which is a form of cloth painting.
 
Fair and Festivals

Fairs and Festivals of Odisha:

Indian culture and heritage are rich in festivals. Odisha is in a similar situation. Although many people mistakenly believe that Odisha is only known for its Rathyatra, the state celebrates much more. If you want a one-of-a-kind experience, it's better to be a part of these festivities and experience the riot of music, culture and colorful vibrancy. Here are some of the major ones:

  • Jagannath Rath Yatra: Odisha's popular festival is the Jagannath Ratha Yatra. Due to its historical and religious importance, it is India's most anticipated festival. The nine-day festival commemorates Lord Jagannath's annual visit to his birthplace with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, which is also stated in the Puranas. A Snana Purnima ritual marks the beginning of the Ratha Yatra 18 days before it begins. On this day, the three deities are ceremonially bathed in 108 pitchers of water on the Snana Bedi, an open platform. The Deities are then brought out of their temples and mounted on temple-like chariots as wide as 45 feet in a colourful procession to greet their devotees after they have been separated for 15 days.
  • Durga Puja: The festivals Vasanti Durga Puja or Chaitra Durga Puja in the Oriya month of Chaitra (March or April), Sharadiyo Durga Puja in the Oriya month of Aswina (September-October), and Kalipuja (October-November) show the prevalence of Shakti worship in Odisha, both in Tantric and non-Tantric forms.
  • Sitalsasthi: Sitalsasthi carnival is another one of Odisha's festivals. This festival is commemorated with a carnival. This is a local festival that commemorates Lord Shiva's marriage to Parvati. It is commemorated in all of Orissa's Shiva temples. The festival is normally held in the month of jyaistha. Furthermore, this festival normally takes place during Shuddha Panchami.
  • Kalinga Festival: The festival's celebration is linked to a fascinating tale. During the reign of Ashoka, a significant portion of Orissa was known as Kalinga, a land marked by horrific murders and martyrdom. It was here that Ashoka made the decision to live a peaceful and nonviolent life. The Kalinga Mahotsav commemorates the triumph of peace over war.
  • Chhau Festival: The Bhuiyan tribes of Odisha celebrate this festival for three days straight. Apart from that, the most important aspect that separates it from the competition is the performance of the Chhau dance by Odisha residents. Chhau dance is a popular style of dance that combines elements of martial arts and folk dance while dressed in traditional dress and masks.
  • Konark Dance Festival: The Konark Dance Festival, held in the epodic land of Konark in an open-air auditorium overlooking the eulogising Sun temple, is the most opulent dance festival not only in Odisha but in India. The hair-raising rhythm of the ancient classical drums - mridangam and mandala - chiming in with manjira, flute, and the mellifluous sound of the ghungroos reverberates around the room and transcends the spectators into a different world.
  • Diwali & Kali Puja: It is a festival of lights in which homes and businesses are brightly lit and tastefully decorated. On this day, many companies open their new accounts by paying homage to Goddess Lakshmi. On this day, Goddess Kali is also honoured. The Festival's main attraction is the firework show. It can be seen all over the state, but particularly in urban and industrial areas.
 
Must Visit Place

Must Visiting Places in Odisha:

Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, is a land rich in architectural marvels. Odisha is well-known for its historical sites and stunning views. Odisha has a wide range of tourist attractions, from beaches to pilgrimage sites, for visitors from all over the world. In addition, the Konark Dance Festival and the Jagannath Rath Yatra bring a large number of tourists to Odisha each year. These top tourist attractions in Punjab are not to be missed:

  1. Bhubaneswar- Orissa's capital is known as the "Temple City of India." Bhubaneswar's landscape is characterised by numerous temples, which contribute to the city's reputation as a major Hindu pilgrimage destination. The Kalinga style of architecture, which flourished in Orissa, is perhaps best exemplified in Bhubaneswar's temples, such as Lingaraj Temple, Mukteswar Temple, Parasuramewar Temple and Rajarani Temple.
  2. Konark- Konark, in the Indian state of Orissa, is famous for the Sun Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the annual dance festival and its stunning sandy beaches.
  3. Puri- It is one of the Char Dham, or the four holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites, and attracts a large crowd every year during the glorious Rath Yatra. It is home to many world-famous temples, including Jagannath Temple, Gundicha Temple, Vimala Temple, Loknath Temple, and others. It also has the panch tirtha, a bath where pilgrims end their journey to Puri.
  4. Cuttack- Cuttack is a historic city and a popular tourist destination in Orissa. Many ancient pilgrim centres, forts, museums, lakes, and islands can be found in the state's business capital. Furthermore, it is known for its local handicrafts.
  5. Dhauli- After the battle of Kalinga, it is thought that Emperor Ashoka reformed his character and became a peace-loving man in Dhauli. After seeing the blood of those killed in the war turn the Daya River red, Ashoka is said to have changed his mind and converted to Buddhism.
  6. Gopalpur- This once-bustling port city is now home to some of Eastern India's best beaches. This is the tourist destination to visit if you want to unwind and do nothing. The Gopalpur Beach is a lovely beach, made even more lovely by its isolation, the absence of large crowds, and the resulting peace and quiet. The seafood is also worth trying, as there are numerous shacks along the beach that serve mouth-watering fare.
Cuisine
Odisha cuisine, also known as Odia cuisine, is a mash-up of different things and traditions. Odisha's cuisine is low in spices and oil, but strong in taste. Imagine delicious dishes being served on sal leaf plates on your journey to Odisha, luring you in with their fragrance.
 
Some worth trying dishes are:
  • Pakhala Bhata: Pakhala Bhata, a delectable respite from the summer sun, is a lunch staple for almost every household in Odisha. This Odisha dish is made by soaking cooked rice in sour curd and water and served with fried fish, potatoes, Badi choora, and papad on the side. This delicacy should be one of your first dishes to try on your trip to Odisha, as it is a popular and main food in the state.
  • Dalma: Dalma is one of Odia cuisine's best recipes, typically served as a main course with plain rice. Toor dal, chana dal, pumpkin, potato, brinjal, and other nutritious vegetables are used to make Dalma's aromatic curry. The meal is not only tasty, but it is also nutritious.
  • Chhena Poda: The ‘Chhena poda,' which roughly translates to ‘burnt cottage cheese,' is arguably the most common of these. Sudarshan Sahu, a confectioner and hotelier, invented it in the twentieth century. The Odia people's favourite sweet is the Chhena pudo, which is now offered to Lord Jagannath. Made by caramelizing gur (jaggery) with chhena on low heat gives it a distinct taste.
  • Khicede: Khicede or Khichdi is Odisha's most important traditional food, and it is served to Lord Jagannatha at the Holy Puri Temple as the main "prasad." This nourishing, filling meal is made with equal parts rice and lentils and ghee as the primary cooking fat. As a result of the mild spices and seasoning, this is one of the most stomach-calming dishes.
  • Chungdi Malai: As the name indicates, this recipe is all about the delectable creamy prawn curry, which is made with coconut milk. This fantastic dish's richness and silkiness are enhanced by light and mild spices that give it a distinct flavour. This delicacy, which is best eaten with steamed basmati rice, is a must-try for anyone visiting Odisha.
  • Gupchup: The nation's favourite street food is gupchup, also known as 'puchka' in Bengal, 'golgappa' in the north, and 'panipuri' in western India. Crispy hollow balls made from maida, atta, or suji are filled with chana masala and dipped in spicy jal jeera in this dish, just enough to send your taste buds into a whirlwind of flavours.
  • Kakera Pitha: Odisha's Kakera pitha is a fennel and cardamom-infused deep-fried semolina dessert. It is one of Odisha's most popular desserts, and it is served as prasad in many temples. One bite of this luscious dessert will leave you wanting more.
  • Pokhalo: Pokhalo or Pakhala is a traditional Odia dish. Pokhalo comes in a number of flavours, but at its most basic level, it's rice fermented in water over time. Turani water develops a salty, tangy flavour that complements the additions of cumin seeds, curry leaf, or curd to the rice when served.
  • Dahi Maacha: West Bengal and Bihar, as well as Odisha, are well-known for this curd-based fish recipe. The rich creamy textured gravy is made with the best blend of mustard paste and yoghurt in this classic recipe. Dahi Maacha is a special Odisha cuisine with minimal spices that every non-vegetarian foodie can appreciate.
 
FAQ’s

Odisha has some incredibly distinctive and varied gems to be discovered, from temples to tribal settlements. These include unspoiled beaches, indigenous music and dance, handicrafts, tribal culture, Buddhist relics, national parks and wildlife, and food.

 

There is a vast network of highways, railroads, and airports in Odisha. All of Odisha's major cities are well connected to other major cities in India via rail, and the state is served by 2 major airports operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Every significant tourist attraction in Odisha is closely connected to the state's major cities through road or rail.
 

Except for the hottest summer months, Odisha experiences a pleasant climate all year long. If you're thinking of taking a trip, you should go there between October and February. Winter is a great time to visit the location. People who enjoy taking walks on the beach or going sightseeing will find the windy weather to their liking.

 

The festivals that are observed in Odisha are a fusion of history, customs, and the vibrant local culture. The Kalinga Mahotsav, which takes place in January on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar at the Dhauli Shanti Stupa, is one of the state's well-known events. Puri hosts the twenty-one-day Chandan Yatra celebration. On exquisitely decorated boats, deities are carried out into the water. Sept.–Oct. sees the grand celebration of Durga Puja. Massive pandals are embellished, and Durga Maa is carried around. The renowned classical dancers from throughout the nation are gathered for the Konark Dance Festival. In June-July, Lord Jagannath is honoured during the Puri Rath Yatra. On the chariots, the enormous statues of Krishna, Balaram, and Subhadra are transported for a sacred yatra. Sea Beach in Puri is the site of the Puri Beach Festival. You can take pleasure in adventurous sports, delicious food, fashion and rock shows, and sand painting.

 

Families should visit the many temples, beaches, and museums in Odisha. Accordingly, Cuttack, Raghurajpur Craft Village, and Puri Beach (Golden Beach) are well-liked destinations for family vacations in Odisha. Odisha's temples express their historical significance. Accordingly, popular historical sites in Odisha include the Konark Sun Temple, Lingaraja Temple, Lord Jagannath Temple, Dhauli Giri Hills, and Barabati Fort. Some of the most beautiful natural areas in Odisha to visit include Chilika Lake and Simlipal National Park. Udaygiri & Khandagiri caves along with Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar makes the capital city all the more worth a visit.

 

Odisha is known as the "Goa of Eastern India" and offers a basic yet distinctive style of cooking, making it the ideal destination for any culinary enthusiast. Discover Odisha's most delicious treats. Khicede, also known as the Khichdi, is a simple yet significant meal in Odisha. Rasabali is an Odia dish that originated in the Kendrapara district and is offered as part of the chappan bhog at the Lord Jagannath shrine. One of the most well-liked desserts in Odisha is Chhena Poda, which is made with handmade cottage cheese, semolina, and sugar syrup. A flavorful mixture of potatoes, garlic, onions, and spices is used to make Macha ghanta. Without using any garlic or onions, Dalma is a flavorful dish made with roasted moong dal, common spices, and a variety of vegetables for a delicious taste. A thick, creamy dish made with prawns is called Chungdi Malai. It is made using coconut milk. Its delectable flavour, which is enhanced by mild spices and the richness of prawns, makes it remarkable and gives it a distinctive flavour.
 

 Odisha is home to numerous national parks and animal sanctuaries, including sanctuaries for birds, thanks to the abundance of flora and fauna that nature has bestowed upon it. Your must-visit locations in Odisha to see wildlife include Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Kotagarh, Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Nandankanan National Park, Simlipal National Park, Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary, Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandaka Elephant Reserve, Bhitarkanika National Park, etc. Wetland lagoons surround Chilika Lake in the Puri district, and during the winter, many migrating species, including the Asian Openbill Stork, Little Cormorants, and Little Egret, flock here.

Odisha is called the "Soul of Incredible India" for its rich blend of ancient temples, vibrant culture, stunning coastline, and spiritual significance. From the Sun Temple in Konark to the Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha embodies India’s timeless essence.

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and a symbol of devotion. The Rath Yatra, its grand chariot festival, is a mesmerising event where millions gather to witness the divine deities taken on a magnificent procession.

Odisha is home to Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest coastal lagoon, known for its migratory birds and dolphins. Other must-visit spots include the serene beaches of Puri and Gopalpur, and the lush Simlipal National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

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