Fairs & Festivals in Orissa

A land of varied cultures and traditions, Orissa automatically serves to be a land of festivals. Religion or folklores, tradition or agriculture and seasonal variations or ethnic dance forms -- all serve to be a setting for the celebration. The state celebrates one or the other festival every month giving an opportunity to both the visitors and the natives to enjoy and have real fun.

With some of the special rituals attached to each, these festivals add bright colors to the landscape of the state's cultural heritage. Some of the festivals of this land of Lord Jagannath are dedicated to His holy self. Some other festivals celebrated in Orissa find a close resemblance with many of the festivals of North India.

However, they are called by different names and are even celebrated in a different fashion. But, amazingly, every festivity centers around the prayer sacraments to seek the blessings of gods, exchanging goodwill, distributing sweets, decorating houses, wearing new clothes, music, dance and feasting. Whatever the way, each festival makes the country come alive throughout the year.

Durga Puja and Kali Puja are the two major festivals of the land that showcase the power of the Shakti worship cult in the state. Celebrated with earnestness, joviality and éclat, this festival celebrated in the months of September and October offer an opportunity for a larger than life celebration.

Other festivals such as 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 in Orissa.