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Famous Festivals of Odisha, List of Most Important Festivals of Odisha 

In this article, you will get to know about all the Famous Festivals of Odisha and List of Most Important Festivals of Odisha. For the complete information about the topic, you can read the full article.
authorImageGoldi Tomar18 Nov, 2024
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Famous Festivals of Odisha  

Famous Festivals of Odisha: A significant aspect of Indian culture and customs are festivals. Odisha is in a similar situation. Odisha celebrates much more than Rath Yatra, despite the common misconception that the state is solely known for it. If you want a unique experience, it is best to be aware of what those festivals are and what kinds of activities take place there. You have to make sure of their significance and the impact they have on the customs and culture of the individuals concerned.

Famous Festivals of Odisha

Every region of India will send you warm, festive greetings. Rich traditions, a sense of festivity, a plate full of delicious food, and a lively culture. This is, after all, what India—the land festival—is renowned for. The joyful lives of the people of Odisha are governed by festivals in this region of India. The people of this nation, which is home to many different tribes and religions, celebrate many festivals all year long.

Airports in Odisha

List of Most Important Festivals of Odisha

The following is a list of Orissa's most well-known festivals, for which this coastal state is renowned:

Durga Pooja

The most significant Odisha's holiday, Durga Pooja, is celebrated with great splendor throughout the entire state of Odisha. In the month of Ashwin or Kartik (September or October according to the English calendar), it is celebrated. To create a festive atmosphere, the streets are illuminated and pandals are decked out. In the Pandals, the enormous idols of Durga Maa and her two other incarnations, Maa Laxmi and Maa Saraswati, are spotless. The festival's major celebration is marked by the chanting of mantras and morning and evening artis. In Orissa, Durga Puja is observed for three or four days and is very significant to Hindu followers.

Kalinga Mahotsav

The celebration of the event has a fascinating backstory. A sizable portion of Odisha was formerly known as Kalinga, a region that saw ruthless killings and martyrdom during the Ashoka era. Ashoka made the decision to spend a tranquil and nonviolent life here. The celebration of Kalinga Mahotsav signifies the triumph of peace over war. Various martial arts performances are held at Dhauli Shanti Stupa on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar as a way to honor the Mauryan dynasty martyrs. Martial arts' colorful and courageous performances draw spectators from all over the world in addition to people of Odisha.

Chandan Yatra

The longest celebration of Odisha, also called the Gandhalepana Yatra, is held at Puri's Jagannath temple. During the 42-day celebration, sandal-mixed water is used to worship the gods. In the traditional boats known as "Chapa," the gods are removed from the temple for a revered patron while submerged in water. In order to give the impression that a swan is floating in the water, the boats are typically elegantly adorned in red and white. The Puri temples dedicated to Shiva or Vishnu signal the end of the ostentatious celebration. Thousands of pilgrims come together to celebrate this important Odisha festival.

Konark Dance Festival

This celebration transcends religion and tradition and is solely devoted to the splendor of the Konark Sun Temple and the grace of Odissi dance. The celebration is held in honor of the Konark Temple's historic splendor. With lights enhancing its grandeur, the temple takes on a lively appearance when the sun sets. Gangadhar Pradhan, an Odissi dancer, runs the Odisha Dance Academy at Konark Natya Mandap in Konark, which hosts the Konark Dance Festival. This lavish festival, which is loved by people from all over the world, brings together well-known classical dancers.

Maha Vishuva Sankranti

According to the Odia calendar, Mahabisuva Sankranti is observed in April to usher in the new year. Another name for the celebration is Pana Sankranti. To symbolize the rain, a pana, a beverage made from Misri and water, is hung above the Tulsi plant. In Odisha, this event is highly favorable for farming and agricultural endeavors. Special sacrifices are offered to Hanuman, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu on this day. Devotees visit the Devi temples and offer prayers for a prosperous new year.

Raja Parba

The four-day Raja Parba festival is widely observed throughout the state of Odisha. In addition to celebrating women, this celebration is held to bring prosperity to the agricultural sector. All agricultural activity is halted during the festival in honor of Basu-Mata, the Earth Goddess, so that the Goddess can rest. It is thought that the Goddess goes through her menstrual cycle during this time, so all actions that could harm the environment, such plowing, picking, and tree-cutting, are avoided out of respect for Mother Earth's femininity.

Rath Yatra

Known by another name, the Car Festival honors Lord Jagannath, who is thought to be an embodiment of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. On this event, the Rath or Chariot Yatra symbolizes Lord Krishna's journey from Gokul to Mathura. For a week, the massive gods Krishna, Balaram, and Subhadra are transported to the summer temple on chariots for a sacred yatra. The construction of the main chariot, which has 16 wheels and measures 14 meters high by 10 meters square, started two months before the celebration. People of Odisha take an active part in the Rath Yatra. People in Odisha have long been so attached to this traditional celebration that, in the past, devotees would jump to death in front of the Rath because they thought that dying beneath the Jagannath's chariot would take them to heaven.

Soils in Odisha

Magha Saptami

Magha Saptami is one of the Konark temple's most well-known and cherished holidays. Thousands of people assemble on the Bay of Bengal shoreline on this day to pray to the water. Near Chandrabhaga beach, devotees welcome the rising Sun with prayers and a sacred dip in the sea. This festival also ushers in a week-long great fair at Khandagiri, close to Bhubaneswar. The Bay and Bengal shoreline, as well as the offerings presented to the Sun temple, contribute to the festive atmosphere among Orissans.

Makar Mela

Another significant Odisha festival is Makar Sankranti, often known as Makar Mela. When the Sun moves into Capricorn, the festival is observed, and by then, the harvest of sugarcane and fresh paddy crops is finished. Orissans give food and prayers to the Sun God on this auspicious day in hopes of living a long and healthy life.

Chhau Festival

The Chhau festival is widely observed throughout Odisha to symbolize the tribal way of life and traditional dances of Orissa. The main association of this festival is with the Odissi dancing style known as Mayurbhanj Chhau. Orissans worship Lord Shiva throughout this occasion. The Chhau act is performed by the classically trained dancers wearing masks over their faces. The dancing style incorporates aspects of martial arts and classical dance. The Chhau festival offers a full feast of Odisha's tribal life, delicious food, and dance acts.

Famous Festivals of Odisha FAQs

What is famous festival of Odisha?

 Holi known as Dol Purnima, is observed as the state's national holiday. It is one of the most well-liked events in the state and is observed every March. It is Odisha's national festival.

How many languages is necessary to travel to Odisha?

It is advised that you speak Hindi and at least Bengali or Odia to get by if you intend to travel to Odisha. Without a guide, the English spoken by the locals is not very good.

What kinds of dishes are consumed in Odisha during festivals?

Depending on the type of celebration we are discussing, Odisha's festival cuisine varies. Some provide non-vegetarian choices in addition to vegetarian dishes.
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