INCREDIBLE TOURISM
Orissa Travel
Orissa Fairs & Festivals
Orissa
being a land of ancient and sacred temples, and a state where three religions
flourished, is thronged by pilgrims throughout the year. There are a large number
of fairs and festivals celebrated in the state. There are festivals relating
to each religion, tribal festivals, festivals relating to Lord Jagannath, the
presiding deity of the Puri Temple, and many seasonal exhibitions and fairs
as well as special festivals such as the Konark Dance Festival, the Rajarani
Music Festival, the Puri Beach Festival etc..
Rath Yatra : The most famous
Orissan festival is of course the Ratha Yatra or Car Festival (June-July) which
attracts pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. On the full moon day
of the month of Jyestha known as snana Purnima, the idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra
slid Subhadra are brought out and bathed on a pendal known as the snarlamandap
according to religious rites.
Chandan Yatra : Chandan Yatra
marks the conclusion of the cycle of religious festivals observed in the famous
shrine of Lord Jagannth at Puri followed by similar other shrines of Orissa.
The festival, starting from Akshyaya Trutiya, lasts for twenty-one days and
is held in the month of Baisakh at the height of the summer heat when Chandan
(sandle-paste) and water are essential to keep people cool.
Durga Puja : Durga Puja (September-October)
symbolises the commemoration of good over evil. Life comes to a stand-still
in the city of
Cuttack
as crowds pour over the Puja Mandaps to enjoy the festivities. On the day succeeding
'Vijaya Dasami', the last day of Dussera, the images are taken in a spectacular
procession for immersion in the river Kathajodi.
Dola Purnima ( Holi ) :
Dolapwnima or Holi is the most famous spring festival of India. Usually celebrated
in March. It has special properties in its celebration in Orissa where it is
a five day affair, especially in the rural areas. The images of Krishna are
worshipped form Dashami (10th day of the bright fortnight) to the full moon
day.
Puri Beach Festival : The
Puri Beach Festival is an out and out fun lovers fest. Conducted by the Hotel
and Restaurant Association of Orissa (HRAO), the festival is a celebration of
Orissa, in all its beauty, charm and fun-loving spirit. With events ranging
from Fashion shows to rock shows, the Puri Beach festival.
Konark Dance Festival : Described
as a poem in stone, the Sun temple at Konark is the crowning glory of the temple
architecture of Orissa. As a fitting tribute to the majestic monument, eminent
classical dancers of India get together during the Konark Festival every year.
