Time of visit Orissa

For the visitors from colder climates, the best time for visit would be between October to March. The weather during this time is very pleasant and conducive to travel. This is also the time when millions of migratory birds make their way from the north to nest in the lakes and forests of Orissa. However, Orissa is not without attraction during the rest of the year.

Barring occasional very high temperatures for a few days in the months of May-June-July, and a couple of weeks of heavy rains during the monsoons, the climate in Orissa is very much to the advantage of visitors. In fact, these so called off seasons are the best times to get fabulous deals on accommodation, local transport etc.

Bhubaneswar: Orissa

Bhubaneswar (in Sanskrit and Oriya, “The Lord of the Universe”) is a city located on the eastern coast of India. Once the capital of ancient Kalinga, the city has a long history and is today a bustling centre for commerce and religious activity. Bhubaneswar became the modern capital of the state of Orissa in 1948, a year after India gained its independence from Britain. The city is inhabited by over a million people and maintains a high rate of population growth.

History and Character

Modern Bhubaneswar was originally meant to be a well planned city with wide roads and many gardens and parks. A part of the city has stayed faithful to the plan. But it has grown rapidly over the last few decades with the population almost doubling every decade. This has made the planning process unweildly. The city now has a population of more than a million. But it is a part of the greater urban conglomoration that includes Cuttack, Khurda, Choudwar and Jagatpur and the population of this urban conglomoration, most probably, is more than two and half million.

Having merged its intriguing past so uniquely with its modern aspirations, it forms an integral link in the Golden Triangle that [AK]incorporates the holy city of Puri and Konark, for the tourists that flock to pay their homage to the religious, cultural and natural wonders that abound here. To the east are the famous Sun temple of Konark and the Jagannath temple of Puri.

The Lingaraj temple of old Bhubaneswar, built in the 11th century, is another temple noted for its ancient history. The Khandagiri and Dhauligiri, situated on the outskirts of the city, carry monuments of inhabitions of buddhist monks in the time of King Ashoka. Another such monument is the Shantistupa, which was built as a symbol of peace at the site where the great Kalinga War took place between Emperor Ashoka and Kalinga (the old empire of Orissa).

The striking features of the city are the numerous temples and shrines that seem to be all around you. Bhubaneswar’s skyline is dominated by some of the most spectacular engineering and artistic feats of its ancient heritage. The imposing spire of the Lingaraj Temple, the quiet beauty of the Vishwa Shanti Stupa and the pink translucence of the Mahavira Jain Temple in nearby Khandagiri, inspire feelings of wonder at their sheer beauty and their cross– cultural permutations. These three alone offer an excellent insight into the ancient cultural strength of Orissa and are well-worth exploring at greater length. At least four of Bhubaneswar’s temples must he on the tourist’s agenda, to get a feel of the dynamic artistry and development of their indigenous perfection.

The temples have after all stood testimony to the area’s history, which spans 25 centuries. The Lingaraj, the Parsurameswar, the Mukteswar and the Rajarani temples are unique in themselves, not only in their architectural beauty but also in the wonderful sculptures which enhance their presence. An interesting variation figures in the Vital and Brahmeswar temples. Though the Lingaraj is closed to non-Hindus, it can be viewed from the viewing platform constructed alongside.

Bhubaneswar is the place where temple building activities of Orissan style flowered from its very inception to its fullest culmination extending over a period of over one thousand years. The State Museum of Bhubaneswar offers an excellent selection of archaeological artifacts, weapons and local arts and crafts and insights into Orissa’s natural and tribal history. The museum has world’s largest collection of palm -leaf paintings. The Tribal Research Institute Museum with its authentic tribal dwellings, created by the tribal craftsmen is a great place to get a bird’s eye view of the State’s tribal heritage.

The Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC) has about 500 acres (2 km²) of plantations, tissue culture and experimental laboratory and a huge lake where migratory birds make their home. The two unique features of RPRC are its status for housing the largest rose garden in the country with an area of 20 acres (81,000 m²) and having the largest collection of cacti (550) in Asia. Bhubaneswar is a shopper’s delight. Saris woven by the master weavers in silk and cotton are available in the private shops and government emporia. You can also pick up all kinds of artifacts and jewellery produced in different parts of the State. The Handloom Weavers Co-operative is worth a visit.

Geography

Bhubaneswar is situated between 21° 15′ North Latitude 85° 15′ Longitude and at an altitude of 45 meters above sea level, the average temperatures range between 15°C in winter to a maximum of 40 °C to 45 °C in summer. The south-east monsoons reaches in June. The average annual rainfall is 1,500 mm, most of which records between June and October.

Geographically, Bhubaneswar is situated in the eastern coastal plains of the Orissa and south-west of river Mahanadi whose tributaries like Kuakhai, Bhargavi and Daya wash the fingers of this city.

Shopping in Orissa

The early designation of parts of Orissa as ‘Utkal’ (land of excellence), was no doubt due to the brilliance of both her architecture and sculptural traditions. The myriad craft forms found throughout Orissa can serve the purpose of momentoes or gifts, which the tourists would love to carry for their friends back home. To know more about them, it is worth checking with the local tourist office and scouting the market to search out the interesting local art and craft.

Applique Work

Garments and other utility items made out of applique work (locally called as Chandua) easliy catch one’s eyes. Applique objects can be purchased at the Utkalika - State Emporium in both Bhubaneswar and Delhi, and the emporia can arrange shipment home for large items, such as the lawn umbrellas. For the smaller items, it is fun to wander in the small Pipli workshops, purchasing directly from the craftsmen or from the cooperative shop there. Pipli is the place where the applique work has originally come from….families carry out this tradition of making the canopies etc for generations.

Silver Filigree

Silver Filigree work of Orissa, locally known as Tarakashi, is a distinctive art form of great intricacy. The silver filigree workers mostly practice this art around Cuttack, and their products are sold in Cuttack shops lining Nayasarak and Balu Bazaar. Most of the artists work with an alloy of 90% or more pure silver (the western term ’sterling silver’, for comparison, designates an alloy with 92.5% silver). Most of the silver items are sold here by weight.

Wood Work

Wood sculpture, images of gods and goddesses, animals like elephants, peacocks, and horses, masks, toys, boxes and bowls, are really appealing and are samples of the excellence of the art of wood carving of Orissa. Some of the painted objects are carved; others are of turned wood. There are also fine, unpainted carvings in a pale wood, which include models of temple sculpture. The plain wood-turned items being made today include very attractive pitchers, glasses, bowls, and lamps. Wood-working is centered around Puri, Bargarh, and Cuttack.

Weaving Work

Many thousands of weavers of Orissa, clustered in small communities throughout the state, create “Ikat” fabrics that have individuality of their own and are unrivalled in the world. The term ikat reflects the fact that early trade contacts between India and Indonesia resulted in considerable cultural and artistic exchange. The technique, which is often referred to in India as ‘tie and dye’ (and in Orissa as bandha) is intricate and difficult. Bundles of yarn are first dyed by successively wrapping (tying) different sections of the bundle, and applying one colour at a time. The dye penetrates the exposed sections and does not touch the wrapped sections.

Wildlife in Orissa

The State Wildlife Organisation came into being in 1974 as a sequel to adoption of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 on 14 August 1974; and promulgation of the Wildlife (Protection) (Orissa) Rules, 1974. The Conservator of Forests, Development Circle was designated as the Ex-Officio Chief Wildlife Warden, Orissa. In the year 1976, a distinct Wildlife Organisation was constituted with the Chief Wildlife Warden being posted in the rank of Conservator of Forests.

The present Wildlife Organisation headed by Additional Principal Chief Conservator Forest (Wildlife) has a Field Director, Tiger Reserve; a Director, Nandankanan Zoo; a Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)

In order to provide proper protection to the wildlife and their habitat, a total of 18 sanctuaries (Protected Areas) including Gahirmatha (Marine) Wildlife Sanctuary, one National Park (Bhitarkanikaj, one proposed National Park have been notified under the provisions of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

These Protected Areas constitute 10.37% of the total forest area and 4.1% of the total geographical area of the state. Besides, one Tiger Reserve (Similipal), one Biosphere Reserve (Similipal), one closed area (Chilika), one Game/Wildlife Reserve (Bppadar - Bhetnoi), one Zoological Park and 8 deer parks (mini zoos) have been notified for both in-situ and ex-situ conservation and management of wildlife.

Simlipal National Park, is a pulsating tropical forest with hills and rich valleys, its sylvan glory on red and saffron soil, its playful brooks and amid rocky glens, its perennial rivers with crystal pools, cascading rapids and gorgeous falls, and its azure blue sky are unmistakably picturesque and awe-inspiring. The perennial water regime owes itself to the unique geological and geomorphologic qualities, unique in the country.

The National Park receives 2500 millimeters of rain annually and its summer stands humbled by its verdure. Winters are severe and its valleys are subject to deep pool frost. Varying soils and moisture regimes join up to generate biomic compositions ranging from semi-evergreen to dry deciduous forests. Besides tiger, leopard and wild dog, other notable fauna of Simlipal includes elephants, sambar, muntjac, gaur, wild pig, chital, chousinga, mouse deer, giant squirrel, pangolin, langur, rhesus macaque, large pied hornbill, peafowl, red jungle fowl, spur fowl, mugger and python. Hyena, jackal and vultures make up the scavenging contingent.

Simlipal tiger reserve is another wildlife reserve in Orissa that came under the umbrella of Project Tiger in 1973. It encompasses an area of 2750 square kilometers out of which the core area is 845.70 square kilometers. In 1972 there were said to be 17 tigers but the 1992 census estimates 95 tigers. Over 22 species of mammals, 220 species of birds and several varieties of reptiles share this forest with the tiger.

The bio diversity of the Simlipal Tiger Reserve is astounding. Its large tracts of forest under Sal are broken intermittently by grassy meadows, which support a healthy population of herbivores. Orchids abound here amidst the semi-evergreens, even though winters are severe when frosty conditions prevail. Perhaps a dozen rivers, stocked with rich aquatic life, cut through the land, some forming impressive falls as they wind their way eastward.

Dances of Orissa

Danda Nata

Danda Nata of Orissa, also known as the ‘Danda Jatra’ , it happens to be one amongst the most ancient form of histrionic arts of the state. Associated with ritualistic services, Danda Nata forms an institution of dance, music and dramatics blended with religions, social reformation and an association of Universal Brotherhood.

Mainly an worship of Lord Shiva, the God of destruction of the Hindu mythology, who is also the Lord of histrionic arts (Nata Raj), this theatrical form brings into its fold a harmonious feeling of co-existence between followers of different philosophical doctrines, between political principles and set of opinions.

Along with votive dedications to Lord Shiva ( Rudra, Hara, Mahadeva, Shankar, Bholanath etc ) in a Danda Nata, the greatness of other Gods and Goddesses such as Vishnu, Krishna Ganesh, Durga, Kali etc. are also equally invoked.

Similarly while the original participants in a Danda Nata were said to be only the low-caste Hindus people, however people belonging to all other higher castes such as Kshyatriyas and Brahmins also participate in this institution with equal interest.

Animal Mask Dance
Changu Dance
Chaiti Ghoda Dance
Danda Nata Dance
Dasakathia Dance
Dalkhai Dance
Dhanu Jatra Dance
Ghanta Patua
Ghoomra Dance
Jhoomar Dance
Karma Dance
Kela Keluni Dance
Kedu Dance
Krishna Leela
Medha Nacha
Naga Dance
Odissi Dance
Patua Jatra Dance
Pala Dance
Paika Nrutya Dance
Ram Leela
Ranappa Dance
Samprada Dance
Tribal Dances

Animal Mask Dance

Animal Mask Dances are prevalent in village of south Orissa specially in the district of Ganjam. Particularly during Thankurani Yatra, when the idols are taken out on the streets, the animal mask dancers go on dancing before the procession.

During the marriage ceremonies also they lead the bridegroom’s procession all the way to the bride’s house. The three animal mask dances typical of the area are the tiger, bull and horse dances. Two persons get into cane frame and conceal themselves within it. Their legs become the legs of the animals they are representing.

People and Language of Orissa

Since prehistoric days the land of Orissa has been inhabited by various people. The earliest settlers of Orissa were primitive hill tribes. Although prehistoric communities cannot be identified, it is well known that Orissa had been inhabited by tribes like Saora or Sabar from the Mahabharata days.

Saora in the hills and the Sahara and Sabar of the plains continue to be an important tribe distributed almost all over Orissa. Most of the tribal people have been influenced by Hindus and have adopted Hindu manners, customs and rituals. Bonda Parajas of Koraput district are the best example of these tribes.

Most of the tribal people and much of the population in Orissa belong to the Australoid group in racial history, while most of the general population belong to the broad-headed Alpinoid type. Besides this, a sprinkling of Mediterranean type is found in the general population.

Orissa had a high percentage of scheduled castes and tribes which together make 9.78 million. The scheduled tribes are concentrated in two belts. The northern belt comprises the district of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Sundargarh. The southern belt consist of the district of Koraput, Ganjam and Phulbani. A large percentage of the tribal population in these districts have their own oral tribal languages and they do not know Oriya. The most important of these languages are Mundari, Santali, Saora and Kui / Kuvi.

There are four cultural regions within the present boundaries of Orissa. The north-eastern areas bordering on Bengal have been influenced in dress, food, habits, languages, social customs and festivities of Bengali culture and language. The southern parts of Ganjam and Koraput districts have a sizable Telugu-speaking population and have been influenced in language, food habits, dress and marriage customs by the Andhra culture and language. The western districts of Sambalpur, Bolangir and Kalahandi may be said in many ways to be a cultural and to some extent, linguistic continuum with the region of Chhatisgarh of Madhya Pradesh just belong the border where many Oriya-speaking castes live even at present.

Tourism in Orissa

The places of tourist importance can broadly be classified into three groups - international, national and provincial. Apart from places of tourist interest, many festivals also attracts people from distant areas.

Among places of international repute, the Sun Temple at Konark is the most important. It is better known as the ‘Black Pagoda’. Its architectural beauty ranks with the best in the country. This temple, built on the Puri coast, was dedicated to Surya. It is built of black granite, and the sculpture marks the climax of Hindu architecture. Konark is linked by all weather roads to Bhubaneswar and Puri. An air strip is planned to be opened shortly.

Puri, famous for the temple of Lord Jagannath, is one of the four ‘dhams’ of the Hindus along with Varanasi, Dwarka and Rameshwaram. The temple of Lord Jagannath is a colossal one. The Puri coast, is shallow and offers excellent bathing facilities. Puri also has one of the best natural beaches in the country as far as scenic beauty and bathing facilities are concerned. Since the town is a religious place and a sea resort, it attracts devotees and fun-seekers alike. Puri is also famous for its car festival.

Bhubaneswar, the capital, known as the cathedral city of India, is the symbol of modernity. The Lingaraj temple, the Jain and the Buddhist caves at Khandgiri and Udayagri, the Ashokan inscription and the Shanti Stupa at Dhauli have made Bhubaneswar an important tourist centre. The ruins of the fort of Sisupal of Mahabharata fame can be seen on the outskirts of the city which is justly famous as the ‘city of temples’.

The ‘Nandan Kenam’, the Zoological park is the greatest attraction for children and grown-up alike. It is the only centre where white tigers breed in natural setting. It’s lion safari, boating facilities, rope ways, toy railways are some of the unique facilities provided in natural setting. All these three places are linked by an excellent rail and road network and form a ‘Golden Triangle’ from the tourist point of view.

Festivals of Orissa

A large number of festivals and fairs are celebrated in Orissa. These differ from tribe to tribe, from caste to caste and also from region to region.

Important Fairs

Dandanata and Danda Jatra

Dandanata is derived from ‘Danda’ a pole and ‘mata’ a dance which is performed in a fair called ‘Danda Jatra’. This is celebrated in the month of Vaishaka (April-May). This fair is celebrated through dance, song and physical feats and the pole represents of Lord Shiva. The devotees are called ‘Bhokta’ and there are thirteen in a ‘Danda’ party.

The leader is ‘Pata Bhokta’ , who leads a life of abstinence for twenty-one days prior to this festival. The Bhoktas move from village to village and perform at a house only when invited. The Bhoktas roll on the hot sand in the mid-day sun of summer, dance, and sing praying for the welfare of house holder. Whether someone in the family is childless or poor or suffering from some incurable diseases, the householder usually vows to become a ‘Bhokta’ next time if his miseries are removed.

The austerities and physical sufferings include walking on fire, piercing the back with sharp nails, using poisonous snakes as garlands and making them sting the body, piercing the tongue or walking on a sharp sword edge etc, apart from fasting and abstinence. These are aimed in order to please and secure booms from Lord Shiva.

Variations of ‘Danda Jatra” are found in almost the whole of Orissa one variation is Jhamu Jatra or Nian Patua consisting of walking on a trench of fire, and the another one is ‘Uda Jatra” or Uda Patna in which the devotees are hooked from their back muscles and are swung high round a pole.

Chandan Jatra

This fair is celebrated for twenty-one days in the month of ‘Jaishtha’ (May-June). When a smaller replica of Lord Jagannath is taken to the sacred tank for boating after being smeared with ‘chandan’ or sandal wood paste. This is aimed at providing cool comfort and relief from the summer heat. This is celebrated at places where there is a Jagannath temple and a lot of merriment goes with it when pilgrims congregate. The main centre of this fair is at Puri, the celebrated ’shrikhetra’; the original seat of Lord Jagannath.

Bahuda Jatra

The return ‘car festival’ is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Shravana (July-August)

Chandrabhaga Mela

The fair at Chandrabhaga begins on the seventh day of the bright fortnight in the lunar month of Magha (January-February) and continues for seven days. It is held at the mouth of sacred Chandrabhaga river near the famous temple of Konarka. This sacred site figures in the myth of shamba of the Mahabharata days who was cured of his leprosy by worshipping Lord Surya, the Sun God. The Sun Temple of Konarka and the sacred site refer to the prevalence of a strong solar cult in the coastal Orissa. It is believed that whoever takes a bath in the Chandrabhaga will be cured of leprosy and bareness. Magh Saptami mela is observed at the same time at the Join centre of Khandagiri, near Bhubaneswer, for seven days.

Maha Shiva Ratri

Shiva Ratri is the most important festival in the annual cycle of rituals which is celebrated in the month of Phalguna (February-March.). The fair draws pilgrims from villages and towns around and devotees fast till after mid-night when the sacred lamp (Mahadeepa) is taken to the temple spire.

Dola Jatra

Beginning with the Purnima or the full moon day in the lunar month of Phalguna. The Radha and Krishna images from the Vaishnava temples begin the ritual journey to some important centres of congregation or Melana. With Holy or sprinkling of red ‘abir’ powder and chanting of bhajan and kirtan, the devotees come in a procession with images of Radha and Krishna carried in the Vimanas to the site of the fair. The deities pay a visit to several villages on their outing and receive homage and offerings from devotees. At the site of the fair chanting if spiritual songs and recitation of the Bhagavata and other scriptures are usually organised.

In western Orissa this ceremonially inaugurates the just use of green mango, Chaar berries, Mahul flower and paluash flower-all jungle fruits, flowers offered to deities. This is known as ‘Gundithaai Parba’ in western Orissa.

Districts of Orissa

Angul
Bolangir
Balasore
Bargarh
Boudh
Bhadrak
Cuttack
Deogarh
Dhenkanal
Gajapati
Ganjam
Jagatsinghpur
Jajpur
Jharsuguda
Kalahandi
Kendrapara
Keonjhar
Khurda
Koraput
Malkangiri
Mayurbhanj
Nabarangapur
Nayagarh
Nuapara
Kandhamal
Puri
Raygada
Sambalpur
Sonepur
Sundargarh

Economy of Orissa

In the south are the Eastern Ghats, which yield valuable timber. A canal system links the Mahanadi River with the Hugli River in West Bengal. Supporting a major industrial zone in the north are deposits of iron, manganese, coal, and mica.

The rate of growth in Orissa has been rather fantastic in comparison with the national average. For instance; in the 1990s Orissa’s rate of growth was 14.3% in comparison to the national average of 6.7%. The agricultural sector accounts for 2% of the GDP and 5% of the total employment. Around 2 lakh people live below the poverty line.

The state is witnessing unprecedented investment, both domestic and foreign. A whopping 50 billion dollars are expected to be invested in the state for building steel and aluminum producing capacity, power projects, ports and other infrastructure in the near future.

In addition, the state capital, Bhubaneswar, a well planned city with modern facilities, is attractive for information technology with a few software development centers (TCS, Satyam, Infosys) and a software technology park.