Odisha, is an Indian state located in the Eastern side of India. It is the eighth-largest state by area, and the eleventh-largest state in India by population, with over 41 million inhabitants. The state also has the third-largest population of Scheduled Tribes in India. Odisha state is rich in cultural heritage and has produced many of the best examples of Indian art and architecture. Among the most-notable traditions in the visual arts are mural painting, stone carving, wood carving, icon painting (known as patta), and painting on palm leaves.
Odisha weather
The climate in Odisha – There are three major seasons – Summer season which marks from March to June, Rainy Season which marks from July to September and the Winter season which marks from October to February. Odisha lies just South of the Tropic of Cancer, and has a tropical climate. It is warm almost throughout the year in the Western districts of Sundergarh, Sambalpur, Baragarh, Bolangir, Kalahandi and Mayurbhanj with maximum temperature hovering between 40-46°C and in winter, it is intolerably cool.
What is the capital of Odisha
Currently Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha since 19th August, 1949, Before 1949 Cuttack was the capital of Odisha. Starting from 18th century and served as the capital during Maratha Rule and British Rule.
Language of Odisha
The Official language of Odisha is Odia also known as Oriya, All government work related to legal matters, Education are done in Odiya only. The second largest common language is English, which is used in State.
Location of Odisha | Map of Odisha
Odisha is located on the eastern coast of India. West Bengal lies in the northeast, Jharkhand lies in the north, Madhya Pradesh lies in the west, Andhra Pradesh lies in the south and the Bay of Bengal lies in the east bounds it. Orissa was separated from Bihar and came into existence on 1 April 1936.
Districts of Odisha
There are a total of 30 districts in odisha. They are Angul, Bolangir, Balasore, Bargarh, Boudh, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Deogarh, Dhenkanal, Gajapati, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Kalakhandi, Kendrapara, Keonjhar, Khurda, Koraput, Malkangirir, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangpur, Nayagarh, Nuapara, Kandhamal, Puri, Rayagada, Sambalpur, Sonepur and Sundargarh.
Economy of Odisha
Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of odisha. Over 76 percent of the people are dependent on agriculture. Out of the gross cropped area of 87.46 lakh hectares, 18.79 lakh hectares are irrigated. Rice, pulses, oil seeds, jute, mesta, sugarcane, coconut and turmeric are main as well as important crops grown in odisha in large amounts.
Cash crops like tea, cotton and rubber are also grown in the state. The state contributes one-tenth of the rice production in India. Jute, gram, sesame, ragi, mustard, rape and maize are second-ranking crops in different districts.
A combination of coal, iron ore, limestone, bauxite and a host of other minerals on the one hand and port facilities on the other are the unique features in Orissa. In addition, the bountiful forest resources and agricultural products provide ample scope for the development of forest-based and agro-based industries.
The major industries of the state include cement, aluminum, ceramic glass, chemical, fertilizer, heavy water, aeronautical industry, and agri-based industries such as cotton textiles, sericulture, sugar mills and rice mills.
Forest of Odisha
Odisha’s forests cover nearly one-third of the total area of the state. Forests of odisha are commonly classified into two categories: tropical moist deciduous and tropical dry deciduous. The first type of forest occupies the hills, plateaus, and more-isolated areas within the northeastern part of the state, while the second is found in the southwest.
The density of forest generally decreases from northeast to southwest. Bamboo grows in both forest types, and teak, rosewood, and padauk are examples.
River of Odisha
River Mahanadi
Mahanadi is the major river of Odisha and the sixth largest river in India. It originates from the Amarkantak hills of the Bastar Plateau in Raipur district of Madhya Pradesh. It is about 857 kms. Long (494 kms. In Odisha)
The Brahmani
Brahmani is the second largest river in Odisha. It originates as two major rivers like the Sankh and the Koel from the Chota Nagpur Plateau of Bihar and both join at Veda Vyasa near Rourkela of Sundargarh district of Odisha forming the major River Brahmani.
The Baitarani
Baitarani River originates from the Gonasika hills of the Keonjhar districts. It is 365 kms long and its catchment area is spread over 12,790 sq. kms . It enters into the Bay of Bengal after joining the Brahmani at Dharma mouth near Chandbali Subarnarekha.
Temple of Odisha
Jagannath Temple
Jagannath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in Odisha. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath and is situated in puri. The temple holds great significance. It has very high spiritual significance. The temple is visited by a large number of devotees per day. Ratha yatra is the main festival celebrated in the temple.
Maa Tara Tarini Temple
Maa Tara Tarini temple is considered as one of the popular Shakti Peethas in India. Maa Tara Tarini Temple is located on the banks of River Rushikulya. It is believed that after the breast of goddess sati had fallen at this location, when Sati’s body was dismembered with Sudarshan Chakra, of Lord Vishnu. Chaitra Mela is the most important festival celebrated in this temple.
Sun Temple
Konark Sun Temple also known as Surya Deula or Surya Deul is a famous Hindu temple located in konark of puri district of odisha. This temple is mainly dedicated to Hindu Sun God Surya. This famous temple was built during the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga dynasty. It is also famous for Chandrabhaga Mela held during the February month every year. The temple is well known for great Kalinga architecture.The temple area is spread over 12 acres and it took 1,200 workers and around 12 years to complete the construction.
Lingaraj Temple
Lingaraja Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, India. The temple is the most prominent landmark of Bhubaneswar city and one of the major tourist attractions of the state visited by large number of tourists every day.
Tourist place in Odisha
Puri
Puri, a popular city in Odisha is one among the four must-visit pilgrimage sites for Hindus because of the famous Lord Jagannath Temple that makes Puri, the part of Char Dham in India. Puri is a beach city located on the coast of Bay of Bengal which is one of the favorite tourist destinations among people for short trips.
Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, also known as the temple city of India, is well known for its architecture and grand temples. It is presently a thriving center for commerce and business. Bhubaneswar is the capital city of odisha.
Konark
Konark is located in the state of Orissa and is renowned world over for the Sun Temple which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, konark is also famous for the Annual dance festival that is celebrated every year and it’s beautiful sandy beaches are the major attractions of the city.
Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake is the largest internal salt water lake of Asia, it is a paradise on earth for bird watchers and nature lovers. The pear-shaped lake is dotted with a few small islands and has fisheries and salt pans around its shore. The Chilika Lake is the house for the most accommodating ecosystems in the world, which means that a wide assortment of flora and fauna can be spotted here.
Cuttack
Cuttack is also known as the cultural capital of Odisha, Cuttack is a commercial city which has lots of impressive tourist attractions including temples.
Festivals of Odisha
There are lots of festivals celebrated in odisha with great joy and enthusiasm. The major Hindu festivals are Ratha Yatra, Saraswati Puja, Ganesh Puja, Sivaratri, Janmastami, Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja, Kartik Puja, etc celebrated every year in odisha.
Ratha Yatra
The Ratha Yatra of Puri, also known as the Ratha Jatra, is considered the oldest and largest Hindu chariot festival celebrated every year, on the bright half of the lunar month of Ashadh. The festival is celebrated in the great Jagannath temple of puri, when lord Jagannath wishes to visit his aunt’s home with his siblings.
Durga Puja
Durga Puja is a great festival of Hindus celebrated every year during September-October month. Durga puja symbolizes the commemoration of good over evil. Durga Puja is a popular festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in odisha.
Shiva Ratri
Shiva Ratri is a popular festival of Hindus celebrated in February month and is one of the most prominent festivals of the Saivites in Odisha. This festival is celebrated on the ausp day when Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva are believed to be married. The festival is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm all over the state.
Chandan Yatra
This Chandan Yatra is generally famous in Puri but also celebrated in other parts of Odisha. This festival is also related to Lord Jagannath or Krishna. The festival is celebrated in the month of Vaisaksha and continues for 42 days.
Best time to visit Odisha
October to March is considered as the best time to visit Odisha. During these months the sky remains clear, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The famous Konark Dance festival occurs in February month, which makes it exciting to visit odisha.
How to reach Odisha
Odisha is located in the eastern part of the Indian peninsula and the Bay of Bengal lies on the east coast of the state.
By Air
The Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar is the best way to reach Orissa by air. The airport is well-connected to the major cities of the country like Kolkata, Hyderabad Mumbai, Delhi, Nagpur, Raipur. At the airport, you can easily book a cab or taxi to reach your destination.
By Road
As Odisha is located in the eastern part of India, It is well connected to the other part of the country by road connectivity. There are several bus stops in Odisha which cater to tourists coming from nearby cities or states. Large number of government or private buses connect Odisha to nearby states. At the bus stop, you can book a cab or taxi to reach your destination.
By Rail
There are several railway stations situated in Odisha, Bhubaneswar Railway Station in the capital city of Bhubaneswar is the main railhead of the state. The railway station of odisha is well-connected to several other states of India. At the railway station, you can book a cab or taxi to reach your destination.