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Home>>Festivals of Orissa

Durga Puja and Kali Puja are the two major festivals of the land that showcase the power of the Shakti worship cult in Orissa. Celebrated with utmost earnestness, joviality and eclat, this festival celebrated in the months of September and October truly offer an opportunity for a larger than life type celebration. Other festivals like Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Dola Purnima, Konark Dance Festival and Puri Beach Festival accompanied by some tribal festivals are also celebrated with much gusto here.Out of all the festivals celebrated in Orissa, Rath Yatra - is a grand procession.
a Chandan Yatra
a Durga Puja Orissa
a Konark Dance Festival
a Puri Beach Festival
a Rath Yatra

Chandan Yatra
Chandan Yatra, is one of the most important yatras at the world famous Puri Jagannath Temple in Orissa, India. Chandan Yatra begins on the third day during the Shukla Paksha in Vaisakha month (April – May). It is also the Akshaya Tritiya day and the construction of the chariots or Rathas for the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Chandan Yatra is observed at the Narendra Tank at Puri. Origin of Chandan Yatra is traced back to the Mahabharata era. The Pandavas were in the final year of their exile and was leading the Ajnatha Vasa .They were residing in the court of King Virata. After the killing of Kichaka by Bhim, King Virata came to know that the Pandavas are living his palace.

King Virata soon befriended the Pandavas and asked them to help him in having the darshan of Lord Krishna. Yudhishtira advised King Virata to conduct a boat rowing festival in his kingdom during the summer months. Hearing about the boat rowing festival, Lord Krishna arrived along with his brother Balrama.

An overjoyed Virata offered Lord Krishna sandal paste in fragrant water to avoid the strong heat. Lord Krishna along with his brother Balrama and Pandavas enjoyed the Snana Yatra and rowing festival. Chandan yatra is conducted to commemorate this event.The Chandan Yatra of Lord Jagannath is observed for 42 days. It is divided into two parts of 21 day each. The first 21 days is known as Bahara Chandan and is observed in the Narendra tank. The second 21 days is known as Bhitara Chandan and is observed in the Jalakrida Mandapa inside the temple.
Durga Puja Orissa
Orissa is not only an ideal choice for monuments, beaches,waterfalls and scenic beauties but also for colorful fairs and festivals. The festivals are as numerous as the days in a year,each with a difference having an individuality of its own.During the festivals the whole environment shimmers with sounds of bells, holy songs, chanting of mantras, lights, and the soothing smell of flowers. The pilgrims throng the city all the year round making a more lively and spiritual environment. According to Markandeya Purana the King of Chedi dynasty Suratha started rituals of Durga Puja during 300B.C. Durga Puia has different names in different Puranas and Sastras. In Devi Purana & Kalika Purana it is named as Vijaya Dashami. It is named as Mahaparbana in Devi Mahatmya and Dussehera in Markandeya Purana. Durga Puja is one of the most important festivals in Orissa. Here Durga Puja is more than a festival. It is a celebration of life, culture, popular customs and traditions. It is a time of reunion and rejuvenation to love, to share and to care. Durga Puja is an important Hindu Festival celebrated all over India with different rituals
and festivities especially in eastern India. It is celebrated in the Oriya month of Ashwina (September/October) every year. Durga Puja symbolises the victory of good over evil. Durga Puja is a festival, which is observed for 10 days. In Orissa the Durga Puja is celebrated in two different ways. In Shakti peethas (temples of goddess) the Durga Puja is observed with proper rituals for 10 days. Goddess Durga is also worshiped by devotees in different pendals in form deities. The pendals are decorated with beautiful decoratives.
 Konark Dance Festival
As a fitting tribute to the majestic monument, eminent classical dancers of India get together every year during the Konark Festival from 1st to 5th December to present live performance.
When the sun sets in the horizon and the stars appear in the sky, the open-air auditorium against the backdrop of the floodlit temple reverberates with the beats of 'Raga' and 'Tala' to fill the air. The classical extravaganza is a journey through eternal ecstasy.
The festival provides a platform for both to the performing artiste and the dance connoisseurs in appreciating the essence of various classical dance forms of the country. The stage for the dancing event glows in pristine glory of much admired Odissi, Bharat Natyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Chhow Dance - a lavish feast for the eyes and ears. This experience of a lifetime will no doubt be a cocktail of Art & Craft, Dance & Music, Sun & Frolic - a total package for five eventful and memorable days.
The festival is jointly organised by Orissa Tourism and Odissi Research Centre. Elaborate arrangements are made for the tourists to witness the festival.
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 delights visitors and locals alike. Held on the beautiful beach at Puri, it offers a unique opportunity for visitors to interact with the local populace and enjoy the many splendoured charms of Orissa.

Rath Yatra
Ratha Yatra is a huge Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath held at Puri in the state of Orissa, India during the months of June (Rainy Season). Most of the city's society is based around the worship of Jagannath (Krishna) with the ancient temple being the fulcrum of the area. The festival commemorates Lord Jagannath's annual visit to his aunt's home.
CoA glimpse of Lord Jagannatha on the chariot is considered to be very auspicious and saints, poets and scriptures have repeatedly glorified the sanctity of this special festival. The sanctity of the festival is such that even a touch of the chariot or even the ropes with which these are pulled is considered enough to confer the results of several pious deeds or penance for ages. In fact, there is a famous Oriya song which says that on this occasion, the chariot, the wheels, the grand avenue all become one with Lord Jagannatha himself.More..
 
 
 
 
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