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Odisha is located eastern coast of India, known for its vibrant culture and tribes heritage. The state is home to many fairs & festivals that are celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal. These festivals not only provide a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions of Odisha but also offer an opportunity for the locals to come together and celebrate. Here is list of some popular fair and festivals of Odisha.
Precisely on the same dates of (Karam Festival), the clannish people of a place known as Koraput celebrate the Bali Jatra festival. Commencing from the 11th day of dazzling half of ‘Bhadrab’ month and it prolongs up to the full moon.
Commencement Of A Joyous Celebration :
The commencement of the Bali Jatra festival starts with first eating or ‘ Nuakhai’ devour on which newfangled rice is consumed. During this festival, various grains are also planted in the wet sand, which is known as Bali. This is the main ritual of this festival.
Not only this festival is an agricultural festival many other events also takes place in this sanctified occasion. Women and Men put on their best dresses and celebrate with singing, dancing, feasting and drinking. In a number of areas, a huge swing is placed with its bench constellated with and a pointed nails and a (witch doctor) also known as Bejju sits on this swing. Pigeons, Goats, and fowls are forfeited. The Bejju after this event walks on live charcoal placed here. He hops in daze for the entire 3 days with sporadic rest, during which he identifies both evil and good signifies to endow benefit to the devotees.
Noticeably, the rite of swinging on the naily seat and walking on the fire is practiced by the (low-caste Hindus) living in the seaward areas during the festival of Pana Sankranti. It is believed that the tribes have espoused the rites from Hindus; as such, sacraments are not bided in the rituals of the tribal culture.
Maghe Parab is a harvesting festival, which is celebrated by the tribes of Kisan, Ho, Kol and Oraon. fiesta is feted in order to propitiate the village deity who confer the farmers with good destiny and guards them from all the disasters.
The festival of Maghe Parab commences in diverse villages on different days of the calendar month. The rites constitutes of sacrifice of black fowl in front of the idol, Mahua, liquor is also offered.
At the time of the fiesta, each and every person wears brand new clothes. Singing, dancing and drinking are some of the common activities that can be seen at the time of the fiesta. The tribal groups fete Holo Parab during rains and Damurai Parab during summer.
Makar Sankranti, 1 of the propitious juncture for all the Hindus, is feted in almost all across the country in innumerable cultural forms, with great gaiety, fervor and devotion. Makar Sankranti is especially a (harvest fiesta). This festival is one of the unique festival as the date of the festival is on the same every year.(January 14th).
Makar Sankranti marks the day when the Sun begins ascendancy and enters into the (Northern Hemisphere) and therefore it implicates an affair wherein Sun God seems to remind children that Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya.
This is the festival, which is of great importance and the auspicious Sun stands for spiritual light, wisdom and knowledge. Makar Sankranti implicates that all of us should deplete the darkness of hallucination. We should leave all the darkness behind and begin a new life with purity, knowledge and wisdom.
To emphasize the artistic rituals of this state, Parab is organized annually in the area of (Koraput) by the (District Administration) of this state. Koraput in partnership with the Section of Culture and Tourism and Government of Orissa.
The festival of Parab is renowned for the Tribe dances and also for odyssey, which is the classical element of dancing which is offered in this fiesta. The additional tourist attractions include Adventure Sports (mountaineering, river rafting etc), Crafts Mela and Exhibition.
Dhanu Yatra is cordially related to the incident of God Krishna’s yatra to the town of Mathura to observe the ritual of Bow prearranged by (Kansa) as depicted in Bhagavata Purana. It is vibrantly noticed at Bargarh in the district of Sambalpur. The complete geography of (Bargarh) is depicted into the fundamentals of the Drama.
Bargarh Town turns in to Mathura, the Jira River turns in to Yamuna and Amapalli Village turns in to Gopa.
Diverse activities of the (Puranic description) are executed at their apt spots and the viewers budge from one place to another with the performers to witness their acts. The reality and the drama are indissolubly merged. The fiesta prolonged for (7 – 11 days) earlier to (‘Paush Purnima’), (full-moon day), that falls in the month of (December-January) annually. The concerts takes place from (3 P.M. to 9 P.M)., that are accompanied by amusement programmes, which goes on the entire night.
The Purnima or the (full moon day) in the holy month of Shravana) is called as Go Purnima or “Gamha Purnima”. According to the Hindu Rituals the plants and animals which are useful to People are appeased. Cow is considered as mother. That why this fiesta is celebrated by the farmers to adore all the cattle’s.
Bullocks are considered to be the most significant animals for all the farmers in this country. When the plowing of the pasture by the bullocks is complete the farmers revere them for all the help they have provided. Along with all the cattle’s, the Almighty of agriculture (Baladeva) is also adored. The spiritual scriptures give evidence that (‘Balarama’) devised the plough and demonstrated people, all the techniques of agriculture. As a result the bullock is Lord Balaram’s medium and the plough, is his weapon. Lord Balaram is also believed as the embodiment of Lord Vishnu in sacred Scriptures. Because of this reason, this agricultural fiesta is also called as Baladeva Jayanti or Baladeva Puja.
On this eve all the cattle’s shack is scavenged and tidily plastered and drawings of plows, bullock’s carts and bullocks are portrayed on the raw walls. Cows and Bullocks are showered and bedecked with sandal wood paste and flowers. Their horns are also oiled. Rituals of adoration acquire in all the cattle-shacks itself and all the rituals are performed by the farmers, for this no Brahmin is called. A bit of fresh cloth is sited on the backside of bullocks and are also coursed with pulses and rice-cakes.
The centenary of Lord Krishna, the 8th manifestation of Lord Vishnu, is feted as Janmashtami. Janmashtami strikes on the 8th day of the shady Bhadraba month. Sri Krishna is one of the most venerated God out Of the entire celestial embodiment of the spirit. By good worth of Lord Krishna’s heavenly sports or Leelas, Lord Krishna has turned out to be the beloved of the humankind.
The reason of this incarnation or avatar was, as clarified in the sacred (Bhagavat Geeta), the obliteration of malevolence and the introduction of virtue and truth. Lord Krishna had started showing his virtues from his childhood days by killing many demons. Lord Krishna was the narrator of the first war at the time of Satya Yug, Kurukshetra war to demolish the evil Kauravas and reinstate lawful privileges to the truthful and honest Pandavas.
Lord Krishna delivered his divine message to the entire humanity from this battleground. All his messages are articulated in the book named Bhagavad Gita. The entire life story and his deeds are mentioned in the books like Mahabharata . The centenary of Lord Krishna, as a result, is feted as utmost fervor and gaiety.
Portrayed as a rhyme in stone, this Sun temple located at (Konark) is the ultimate splendor of temple structural design of Orissa. The oral history, folk mythology, solitary splendor and equality fineness, have created a coating of myths covering the origins of this global legacy monument constructed in the (Thirteenth century A.D) placed on the blonde seaside of Chandrabhaga.
Beautiful (dancing hall) also called as ‘(Natamandir)’ of seven hundred years, old holy place is a carving marvel. Each and every nook and corner of the Temples wall are corded with excellent creative designs. Choir playing drums, flutes, cymbals and many other melodic instruments escorts the well-carved figures in the poses of Odissi dance. It is sanctified with varying power and an array of feelings.
As a perfect mark of respect to the royal Monument, well-known (classical dancers) of the country assemble here annually at the time of the Konark Fiesta from (1st – 5th December) to display a live concert.
When sun dawns in the sphere and the shining stars become visible in the dark sky, the amphitheatre alongside the setting of the floodlighted place of worship resounds with the sound of Tala and Raga that fills in the atmosphere. The classical burlesque is a trip through undying happiness.
The fiesta furnishes a podium for the dance connoisseurs and performing artiste in welcoming the spirit of different (classical dances) of India. The podium for the event blazes in immaculate splendor of the much fashionable show, Manipuri, Odissi, Kathak and Bharat Natyam, dances- a sumptuous devour for the ears and eyes . This feel of an era without any hesitation is a concoction of Sun and Frolic, Music, and Dance, Art and Craft, an entire package for 5 memorable and eventful days.
The fiesta is mutually planned by (Odissi Research Centre and Orissa Tourism). Huge preparations are prepared for the visitors to view the fiesta.
To convey the Music and Dances of Orissa to the public, the Lok Mahotsava is organized annually at the Gangadhar Mandap, Sambhalpur Town for 3 days. Sambalpur Town wears a new look at the time of the festival and the complete ambiance is fleeced with the whipping of dhol, sweet symphony of Shehnais and true devotion of the worshippers.
Commences on the 14th day of the murky night in the month of February to March) also called as Phalguna, is dedicated to the idolizing of God Shiva. This fiesta is merely spiritual in creation and is unanimously observed by the entire clan of Hindus. On the eve of this day, followers chant bhajans in respect of Lord Shiva, declaim Sanskrit verses (shlokas) from sacred scriptures, offer religious prayer in the dawn and dusk, and some keep fast for the entire day. Devotees visit close by Shiv Mandir or Temples and present their prayers in front of the deity of Lord Shiva. The worships and prayers prolongs for a long time. At night, the disciples offer fruits, Bilva leaves and coconut, and specifically prepared holy food to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Offering the leaves of Bilva to Lord Shiva on the eve of Shiv Ratri is measured very propitious by his disciples.
The devotees carry a rosary during the worshipping. This rosary is made up of beads of Rudraksha seed and is generally adorned with turmeric, sandalwood, and Kumkum. The lingam is also offered leaves of bael, an Indian tree and is anointed with vermillion. As the worship goes on, the devotees recite the Panchakshara “Om Namah Shivay”. This is accompanied with chanting of hymns in the praise of the deity. It is believed the recital of these hymns absolves all the sins of a person.
A special drink called Bhang or thandai is prepared during Mahashivratri. The drink is made by mixing milk and cannabis. This intoxicating drink is supposed to be a favorite of Shiva.
The Puri Beach festival is one of the most popular festivals that is celebrated on the shore of Orissa. This festival is full of fun, and the best time to visit as one can blend with the Culture and tradition of Orissa. The faculty responsible for this beautiful occasion lies in the hand of the Hotel and the restaurant of Orissa (HRAO).
There are numerous cultural events that take place in this festival, right from the musical event to fashion shows. Puri Beach Festival is the most awaited festivals of Orissa that attracts not only the local citizen but also the tourist from the entire world. All the four days are celebrated grandly in November. It was successful in attracting lakhs of visitors each year. So, if you are planning your next trip to Orissa in the abode of God Jagannath’s, plan it in and around November to attend the amazing world of Beach Fest.
Taratarini Mela one of the biggest Mela of Orissa, also called as Chaitra from the month of March-the month of April at (Taratarini Pitha), 30kms away from Berhampur. Do attend the grand conceptualization of the Taratarini mela that takes commemorates on the third Tuesday.
Prevalently acknowledged as (‘Mahima Mela’), this mela is feted at a place known as (Joranda Mela) in the district of Dhenkanal on the eve of ‘Magha Purnima’. Many devotees throng in to this place from different places and a huge fair is arranged over here for about 3 days.
On this eve, the rolling crowd of (‘Mahima Sanyasis’) adores Samadhi Pitha of Mahima Gosain. It is at this point of time that the beginning for endorsing “Bairagi” – “Apara Sanyasi” (higher class of follower in the Mahima Sect) take place. At the time of this mela, special provision for promoting many things right from “Bairagi” – “Apara Sanyasi takes place that is (top caste of devotees in the Mahima Sect).
Kedu is one of the most significant fiestas celebrated by the Kondhs Tribe of Phulbani. Kedu festival is celebrated with different rituals in diverse villages. The date and the place of the fiesta are determined years in advance.
This was one of the popular festivals known for Human Sacrifice but it was entirely demolished at the time of the British Rule. However, as a substitute for the human sacrifice, cows or Buffaloes are used now days.
Major Ritual:
This festival commences for 5 days with different rituals allotted for each day. The animal sacrifice is allotted for 3rd and 4th day.
Women and men get drunk and dance in frenzied mood. The animal sacrificing event is very cruel as they kill cow by cutting its limbs first and then slowly killing the animal, the blood of the animal is then carried to the field were it is placed to propitiate Mother Earth.
Time for Fiesta
Kumar Purnima, one of the most important and popular fiesta of (Orissa). Kartikeya also called as Kumar, the good-looking son of Lord Shiva came in to this world on this day. Lord Kartikeya is also famous as God of warfare. Lord Karthikeya is carefully propitiated on this day by the young girls, as they always desire for a good-looking husband and luckily, Lord Karthikeya is regarded as the most handsome God. No strict rites are followed to propitiate this God instead the Moon and the Sun are revered.
Foremost Rite
Early in the morning, all the girls after the purifying bath dresses in new clothes and make offerings of food to the Surya Devata also known as Sun God. The girls also fast for the entire day. As the sunsets, they all over again prepare food to offer it to the Surya Devata. After the offerings and other rituals are over, finally they break their fast.
At the time of this fiesta, especially girls Dance and sing. They celebrate this festival with full fervor and gaiety. Puchi are unique games played by all of them at the eve of Kumar Purnima. Many other country games are also played.
The Puja of Gajalakshmi
This eve is also celebrated as the anniversary of Goddess Laxmi, also known as the Divine power of wealth. As a result, several People revere Goddess Lakshmi at their dwelling place and also keep themselves wide-awake by dallying Chess (Pasha), and some other games like cards, carom etc. Considerably, it advocates that folks who desire to obtain wealth should forever be watchful at night. As, for the very reason Owl never sleeps at night. It is also said that complete attractions of this universe is foremost at night.
The festival of Magha Saptami is feted on the 7th day of the new moon day of ‘Magha’. It is an auspicious day specially marked for the adulation of the Sun God placed at the world renowned Sun Temple of Konark, or else acknowledged as the Black Pagoda, committed to the Sun God.
A Fiesta of the Sun City
This is one of the most colorful and popular festival being celebrated here when many devotees visit this place from far offs to witness this unique festival of Sun. In fact, Magha Saptami is the 2nd major festival in (Orissa), after the Car Festival that takes place in Puri. All the devotees takes dip in the holy water of River Chandrabhaga. This festival ends with the commencement of the rising Sun.
A gigantic fair takes place at the (Khandagiri caves) approximately for 7 days starting from “Magha Saptami”.
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