Other Attractions

TRIBAL HERITAGE

Steeped in the mystery that surrounds their own traditional ways, the tribes of Orissa continue to be a source of interest not only to social anthropologists and sociologists but for the lay visitor coming to the state. With sixty-two distinct tribal groups constituting 25 percent of the total population, occupying nearly one-third of the habitable area, the tribes of Orissa are the msot colourful people. The most important tribes are the Kandhas, Bondhas, Kotas, Sauras, Gadabas, Gondas, Ho, Santhalas, Mundas, Juangas. Each tribe has its own music , dance, and rich socio-cultural traits. Though these tribes live in almost all the districts yet most of them live in the forest areas of Kandhamal, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanja, and Keonjhar districts. The Tribal Museum in Bhubaneswar provides a glimpse in to the life style and culture of different tribal communities.


DANCE, DRAMA AND MUSIC

The elegance and grace of Odissi and its music, the martial dance form of Chhow, the acrobatic Dandanata, the Naga dance along with the folk and tribal dances of Koya, Sambalpuri, Baghanacha,Pala and Jatra have remained ever popular with the visitors. There is hardly any place in the owrld that goes back to history annually. In the month of January, the district headquarter town Bargarh turns into Mathura where the mythical king Kamsa rules for a month.. The enactment of this mobile drama, Dhanu Jatra is becoming very popular with the visitors from overseas.


FESTIVALS

The rich and vibrant culture of the state is best illustrated in the unique festivals like Rathyatra at Puri, Dolayatra (Holi), Ashokastami in Bhubaneswar, Jhamujatra (where devotees walk on fire) in Saktipithas, Sitalasasthi (Lord Shiva's Marriage) in Sambalpur, Naukhai (Festival in the Agrarian Society), Dusserah in Cuttack and Laxmipuja in Dhenkanal.

In order to showcase Orissa’s rich culture and tradition, annual festivals of dance and music are organized by the Department of Tourism which provides a glimpse of Orissa’s rich Cultural tradition. The most important festivals are :

Konark Festival (Dec 1-5) : A festival of Indian classic dances performed by celebrated dancers of the country on an open air auditorium with the famous Sun Temple at the back drop can keep everybody mesmerized.

Srikhetra Utsav (Dec 20-02 Jan) : Organised annually, Srikhetra Utsav in Puri presents variety of cultural programmes, unique sand art, handloom and handicraft exhibition and some mouth watering dishes exhibited in the festival.

Ekamra Utsav (Jan 10-24) : One finds the best of Orissa’s dance forms enacted here annually in the backdrop of famous Mukteswar arch in Bhubaneswar. Besides, the festival organizes Handloom and Handicraft exhibitions, Flower show, Folk dances, and the most importantly, the walk on the heritage corridor encircling the pool Bindusagar, dug up by the mythical king Indradyumna. The organization of International food festival during the period is an added attraction.

Kalinga Mahotsav (Feb 4-5) : This two day festival at Dhauli, reminds the valiant efforts of the people of Kalinga who resisted Magadha led by its emperor Ashoka. Dance troops from various states are invited to perform the martial dances here.

Rajarani Music Festival (Feb 26-28) : Every year the last three days of February, Rajarani temple comes alive with the music performed by renowned musicians of the country.


ART AND CRAFT

Cross cultural influences, diverse religious faiths, customs and traditions of the indigenous people have moulded the art forms and the artisans in Orissa. The heritage villages of Raghurajpur with 103 households engaged in traditional Pata painting and a sizable population of Pipili engaged in Applique works prove the colourful artistic imagination of the artists of Orissa. Apart from the Pata painting and applique work, artisans of Orissa produce wonder in Textiles, Silver filigree, Stone, Laxquer, Horn, Bronze and Wood.


SHOPPING

Orissa's handloom and handicrafts can be bought from all over the state. Pata paintings, Applique works, Handloom sarees, Stone carving, Wood works from Baragarh, Puri and Koraput, Brass works from Dhelkanal, Remuna, Kantilo, Phulbani, Horn works of Paralakhemundi, Silver Filigreee works of Cuttack, Lacquer products from Nawarangpur can be purchased from the palces of their origin but some shops in Bhubaneswar and their branches in other places too sell these. Ekamra Haat in Bhubaneswar can be visited for their products, though one can always find it in Government Emporium like Utkalika, Boyanika (Textile) and other cooperative societies.


AYURVEDA

Orissa, once occupied a prominent place in the application of Ayurveda to treat people. Panchakarma, Masso therapy. Swedana to revitalize the body and soul can come handy to any intending visitor.


TRAVEL PLAN

There are a number of Travel and Tour operators in Orissa. One can plan the tours in consultation of the Orissa Tourism Development Corporation which conducts regular trips to several destinations.Government of Orissa Tourist Offices can be contacted for further query. Details can be obtained from the website : www.orissatourism.gov.in.