Odisha Bank Holidays 2023

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Odisha or Orissa is an eastern state located on the coast of Bay of Bengal. The state is known for its tribal culture and ancient temples belonging to Hindu religion. Bhubaneswar is the capital of Odisha. Odisha consisted of hundreds of temples such as Mukteshvara, The Lingaraj Temple complex. Odisha occupies a unique place in the Indian states. Previously, Odisha is known as Kalinga. Odisha has been gifted with the 482 km coastline. The state consisted of huge waterfalls, Golden beaches, long rivers, variety of wildlife and forest with blue hills. The entire Odisha is filled with vibrant and mesmerizing sites and heart-capturing guests.

The architecture of temples such as Konark temple, Jagannath temple. Lingaraj temple, Barabati palace, Rajarani Temple, Khandagiri caves and the Lalitgiri and Udayagiri caves are remarkable. Odisha is the wonder on Earth. It is a unique and heart-stealing beauty with various colourful festivals throughout the year. Last but not the least the state is famous for artifacts and handicrafts. The place has eternal and sublime beauty with glory.

Geography of Odisha

Odisha is the eighth largest state in area and eleventh largest in Eastern India. The states around the Odisha includes West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, towards the eastern side, lies the coastal plains. It extends from Subarnarekha river to Rushikulya river. More than half of the area has Mountain ranges and the highest point is Deomali

Odisha and its History

The history Odisha is mentioned in the famous epic 'Mahabharata', 'Vayu purana' and King Ashoka has mentioned about Kalinga War in his edicts. Many rulers from emperor Kharabela to Gajapati kingdom many rulers have ruled over this state.

In 1936, Orissa was divided into separate provinces and in 2011, the name was officially changed from Orissa to Odisha.

Architecture of Odisha

The finesse of Odisha’s architecture is easily visible in the temples. Some of the most significant temples of Odisha are as follows:

• Lingaraja Temple

  Built in11th century, the largest temple located in Bhubaneswar. The temple worships Lord Shiva as ‘Harihara’. Lingaraj Temple is the oldest temple where a huge crowd gathers every year on Shivratri

• Jagannath Temple

  Another renowned temple of Odisha is Jagannath temple of Puri constructed in 12th century. Lord Jagannath is worshipped in this world-renowned temple and is known for its chariot festival or Ratha Yatra. Jagannath temple Puri is famous in the world. Here 56 types of dishes are prepared everyday and those worship can eat. Abhada and Dalma are the most beloved food items amongst others.

• Kapilash temple

  This temple is located in Dhenkanal ghoat gaon Keonjhar districts

• Maa Tarini Temple

  It also has great importance amongst Hindus.

• Sun Temple

  The Great Sun temple located in Konark was established in 13th century. This temple is designed as the chariot of the sun God, closely associated with seven horses and twenty four wheels. It shows the genius of architects that envisioned and went through it.

Ram Mandir is also very popular in Odisha. Ratnagiri, Udaygiri and Lalitgiriâ are diamond triangle also located in Odisha.

Art and Culture in Odisha

Odisha is the state of splendid temples and natural beauty. It provides harmony to the eyes. Awesome state with beauty lies in orchids and wild species. It is a place of several artists and craftsmen. The stunning architecture, vibrant art, music, and culture made this place high-spirited and pleasure to the eyes. 

Odisha is the battlefield of Kalinga war fought by King Ashoka long time back. The name Odisha has gone through variations from time to time. Away from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan city, you can take a ride to the concrete forest and get a relief seeking peaceful environment. All the artistic pictures are visible in the history of Utkala, in the Jagannath culture. 'Pattachitra', 'Rock paintings', 'Sand art', 'Applique work' are the rare piece of work famous in the entire world.

Dance

Devadassis perform the dance in Odisha which traditionally depicts the love between Lord Krishna and Radha on the lyrical composition of poet Jayadeva. These dances are depicted through mythical story, symbolic costume, mudraas etc. The dance is extremely graceful. Some of the famous dances include Chhau, Pala, Gotipuo and Sambalpuri.

People and their Languages

96% of the population follows Hinduism and more than 60 tribal communities live in Odisha with love and harmony. The state has diverse cultural diversity. The official language of the state is Odia. It is the state with lowest crime rate.

Festivals

Odisha is famous for temples and festivals both. Odias believe that they have thirteen festivals in twelve months. The aim of the festivals is to bring togetherness from people of different backgrounds. Amongst various festivals, Rath Yatra is celebrated as the annual chariot festival which involves the journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhdra on three grand chariots to the Gundicha temple for 9 days.

In addition to this, Raja Parba is also the famous festival celebrated for three days. The other famous festivals include Durga Puja, prathamastami, Mahashivratri etc.

Food Items

All the food items made in Odisha are lip smacking. No festival is celebrated without the delicacy. Several cuisines are prepared on festivals to increase the joy. A few popular dishes eaten in Odisha includes:

• Odisha Rasogolla
• Pakhala
• Chhenapoda
• Mansa Tarkari
• Khira Mohana (Bhog served in Lord Jagannath temple)
• Rice, dalma, a vegetable dishes, something fried and a fish.

Facts about Odisha

• Odisha, formal name Orissa, is an Indian state located in North eastern part of India.
• The state has borders with various states such as Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bay of Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
• Odisha is the ninth largest state in area and eleventh largest state as per the India’s India.
• This state was formed in 1936, as a province in British India and this day is celebrated as Utkala Dibas.
• Odisha is a union of three cultures namely Aryan, Dravidian, and Adivasi cultures.
• The people speaks in Odia language
• Odisha has tropical wet-dry climate with hot summers, cold winters, and monsoon season.
• Main rivers flow in Odisha includes Subarnarekh, Mahanadi, Budhabalanga, Baitarani, Brahmani, Rushikulya and Vamsadhara.
• Odisha produces India’s best architecture through Wood Carving, Icon Painting, and painting on the palm leaves.
• Odissi is the classical dance of the state
• It consisted of two missile test center such as Shriharikota  and Chandipur
• Paradeep is the largest port of odisha

List of Cities in Odisha

The following is the list of cities in Odisha-

• Angul
• Balangir
• Balasore
• Bargarh
• Bhadrak
• Boudh
• Cuttack
• Debagarh
• Dhenkanal
• Gajapati
• Ganjam
• Jagatsinghpur
• Jajpur
• Jharsuguda
• Kalahandi
• Kandhamal
• Kendrapara
• Kendujhar
• Khordha
• Koraput
• Malkangiri
• Mayurbhanj
• Nabarangpur
• Nayagarh
• Nuapada
• Puri
• Rayagada
• Sambalpur
• Subarnapur
• Sundergarh