5 famous festivals of Odisha with their complete information

Orissa is an Indian state bordered by West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh to the north and south as well as the Bay of Bengal to the east. Festivals of Orissa are famous for their celebrations and festivities full of beauty and colour. This article provides a complete list of festivals of Odisha, which allows a better understanding of the major festival of Odisha and other celebrations throughout the year in Orissa. A trip to Orissa cannot be considered complete without participating in their festivals or attending their colorful festivals. Many temples in Orissa offer a wonderful glimpse into the rich culture of Orissa.

Culture and Festivals of Odisha:

1. Ratha Yatra or Chariotsavam:

It is one of the most important festivals of Odisha. Also known as Rath Yatra, it is often referred to by the name Rathotsavam. This festival usually takes place in the months of June or July. Tourists from all over the world attend this festival which starts on the full moon day of the Jyeshtha month. Sanna yatra is a day where idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are carried along with Sudarshana Chakra. They bathe in the bathing mandapam and pandal according to the traditional rituals of the religion. Then they are thought to be suffering from fever. Later they were quarantined and kept in isolation. This celebration lasts for a week.

Further, they take a special therapeutic liquid diet called 'Sarapana' along with a special Ayurvedic boli medicine. These remedies help bring them back to health. After being confined for a fortnight during the Ashadha Shukla dwiya, which occurs on the 2nd day of the lunar month, the three deities travel in huge chariots to meet their followers outside.

A lot has to be said about Ratha Yatra, a famous festival of Odisha. A variety of rituals are observed. The most famous ritual is 'sweeping' or the brooming of chariots. It is held in the name of the Gajapati Maharajas of Puri. The action is performed using a golden broom. This act declares him to be God's servant first. He demonstrates socialism through this act and the dignity of his work. Huge chariots are pulled by thousands of people. People pull chariots irrespective of gender or creed, caste or creed. They do this to convey the universality of the gods to mankind.

After these are completed all the deities or idols are returned to their respective Gundicha Ghara or Mausi ma Mandir. Then they stay there for eighteen days. After this, they stay in the area for eight days until the Bahuda Yatra or the Chariot Festival takes place. Lords return to their home in Sri Mandir. Sri Mandir

2. Sitalshasti Carnival:

Another festival in Odisha's festival list is Seethalshasti Carnival. This festival is celebrated as Carnival. It is a local festival celebrating the marriage of Lord Shiva with Parvati, the god of love. This festival is celebrated in all Shiva temples across Orissa. The festival usually takes place in Jyaishta. Additionally, the festival is usually celebrated in the month of Shuddha Panchami. The procession is brought out on the sixth day. This ceremony marks the end of the summer season and the beginning of the rainy season. It is one of the most popular festivals in Western Odisha.

3. Gama Purnima:

Another major festival in Odisha is Gamba Poornima. It is ritual based and oldest festival of Orissa. The celebration known as Gama Purnima is also known as Raksha Bandhan. It is a traditional festival where sisters tie rakhis to their brothers' wrists to offer protection as well as signify their love. Today you can see farmers from different villages offering prayers to cows. A variety of country-made cakes called pita are baked and sweets are served. On this day, 14th July, Utkala Brahmins are worshiped in upakarma. It is also an important day because of Balarama.

4. Ganesh Puja & Nukhai:

Another important festival of Odisha is Ganesh Chaturthi. The festival is celebrated all over the state of Orissa and with great fervor towards religion with special emphasis in the western coastal regions. Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi. A number of pooja pandals were arranged to honor the darshan. The day after Chaturthi is called Nukhai. It is mostly an agricultural festival. The festival is believed to celebrate the arrival of the new rice crop and is celebrated on that day. All the people living in the western region of Odisha are invited to eat the fresh produce of the paddy fields. Two days declared by the state government are considered as holidays throughout the state.

5. Hingula Yatra:

Another famous Odisha festival is Hingula Yatra. Hingula Yatra is an Odisha festival which is a celebration of worship of Goddess 'Shakti' believed to be Shiva Puja. The festival usually begins a day before the equinox. Tantric religion is one of the sub-cultures associated with this ceremony. The remote villages celebrate the festival with lots and lots. One of the rituals of the festival is that the devotee prepares food in an oven specially prepared for the occasion and takes his meal every day till the end of the ceremony. Prayers are offered to the goddess on Thursdays in the month of Chaitra.

Based on the festival calendar of Odisha it is clear that these customs and cultures are important in the lives of Odisha people living in the state. Festivals are celebrated with awe and great faith. Local cuisine and dishes are cooked. Prayers and offerings are offered to the gods of the respective communities. the people We would love to hear your feedback on this Odisha Festivals Calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

1. What is the famous dish of Orissa during the festival?

Curries and dal, khattas, rice, sagas and pithas are the main food items served in Orissa during celebrations.

2. Which is the famous festival celebrated in Puri temple in Orissa?

Jagannath Puri Yatra is a famous festival near Puri temple in Orissa. It is a chariot-based festival that is believed to be closely associated with Lord Jagannath. It is the longest running journey till date and one of the most awaited celebrations.

3. Which is the most famous Konark festival in the temple?

Konark Dance Festival is one of the most popular festivals, celebrated with music as well as classical dance and lavish celebrations. In this festival, the festivities take place in the background of the Konark Sun Temple. Kathak, Mohiniattam and Odissi are some of the dances performed during this period to promote unity and brotherhood among the people.