5 Odisha festivals you should know and experience
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Odisha is a state bordering West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh to the north and south; along with the Bay of Bengal to the east. Odisha festivals are known for their vibrant grand and colourful festivals and festivities. This article provides a detailed list of festivals in Odisha which enables us to know more about the main festivals in Odisha and other festivals celebrated in Odisha throughout the year. No visit to Odisha is complete without taking part in their festival celebrations or visiting their colourful bazaars. The hundreds of temples found in Odisha provide a model for understanding the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.
Best Culture and Festivals in Odisha:
Let us see the list of festivals in Odisha here. Important festivals in Odisha are as follows.
1. Ratha Yatra or Chariot Festival:
This is one of the main festivals in Odisha. It is called Rath Yatra, also known as Chariot Festival. This festival is usually held in June or July. Pilgrims from all over the world come to visit the festival, which begins on the full moon day of Jesta. This day will be Snana Yatra, the idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are taken away together with the Sudarshana chakra. They then bathe in the Snana Mandap according to traditional religious rituals. Then they were said to have a fever. Therefore, they were isolated and held in solitary confinement. The celebration lasted for two weeks.
In addition, they take a special Ayurvedic medicine called boli and a unique and special medicinal liquid diet called “sarapana”. These medicines restore them to health. After two weeks of confinement in Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya on the second day of the first lunar month, the three gods traveled outside in giant chariots to see their waiting devotees.
Rath Yatra is a famous Odisha festival followed by several ceremonies. A well-known ritual is the “sweeping” or broom of the chariot. This was done by Gajapati Maharaja of Puri. Actions are done with a golden broom. This action first declares that he is the servant of the Lord. Through this act and the dignity of his labor, he demonstrated socialism. Huge chariots were pulled by thousands of masses. People pull chariots regardless of gender, caste, creed and religion. They do this in order to proclaim the universality of the gods to the whole of humanity.
Once these are done, all the gods or idols are sent back to Gundicha Ghara or Mausi Maa Mandir. They stayed there for eight days. After this, the Bahuda Yatra or Returning Chariot Festival will be held. The lords then returned to their original residence at Shree Mandir.
[See Also: Major Temples in Odisha]
2. Sitalsasthi Carnival:
Another festival on the list of festivals in Odisha is the Sitalsasthi Carnival. The festival is celebrated in the form of carnival. This is a native festival celebrating the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is celebrated in all Shiva temples in Odisha. The festival is usually held in jyaistha. Also, the festival usually takes place at shuddha Panchami. The parade was then held on Shashti Day. The festival marks the end of summer and the beginning of the monsoon. This is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Western Orissa.
3. Gamha Purnima:
Another important festival in Odisha is Gamba Purnima. This is a ritual and traditional festival in Odisha. Gamha Purnima Festival is also known as Raksha Bandhan. During this native festival, sisters tie rakhi around their brothers’ wrists to protect them and as a symbol of their affection. The day also marks the fact that farmers in various villages can be seen worshipping cattle. Make a variety of rustic cakes called Pitha and hand out candy. On this day, Utkala Brahmins perform Upakarma Puja. The day also marks an important one due to Lord Balaram’s birthday.
[See Also: Popular National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries in Odisha]
4. Ganesh Puja & Nuakhai:
Another important festival in Odisha is Ganesh Chaturthi. This festival is held all over Odisha and is celebrated with great religious fervor, especially in parts of the west coast, Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi. Hundreds of pujas were erected for Dashan. The day after Chaturthi is called Nuakhai. This is mainly an agricultural festival. Said to welcome the new rice of the season, this festival is celebrated by all the people of western Odisha by eating the new harvest of the rice fields. These 2 days are holidays declared by the state government across the state.
5. Singura Yatra:
Another famous Odisha festival is Hingula Yatra. Hingula Yatra is a festival celebrating the worship of “Shakti”, which is regarded as Shiva Puja. The festival usually starts on the day of Vishuba Sankranti. Tantric religious culture is a subculture of this festival. Remote villages celebrate the festival in very austere fashion. One of the rituals of this festival is that worshipers make food in a special oven and eat it once a day until the end of the festival. Every Thursday in the month of Chaitra a special prayer is offered to the goddess.
Given the list of festivals in Odisha, one can understand what these cultures and traditions mean to the local Odishas of the state. These festivals are celebrated with grandeur and great faith. Prepare local dishes and varieties. Communities offered sacrifices and prayers to their respective lords. Would love to hear your comments on this Odisha festival list.
[See Also: Historical Places in Odisha]
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
1. What is the famous food in Odisha for the festival?
The main foods of Odisha at the time of the celebration include curries, dal, khattas, chutneys, rice, saagas and pithas.
2. What are the famous festivals at Puri Temple in Odisha?
Jagannath Puri Yatra is a famous festival held near the Puri Temple in Odisha. This is a chariot festival associated with Lord Jagannath. This is by far the oldest yatra and one of the most anticipated festivals.
3. What is the famous Konark temple fair?
The Konark Dance Festival is a well-known festival celebrated with classical dance as well as music and extravaganza. During this festival, the festivities are set against the backdrop of the Konark Sun Temple. Kathak, Mohiniattam and Odissi are some of the dances that take place during this period to create a spirit of brotherhood and solidarity among people.