Exploring the beauty and richness of Odisha on Odisha Foundation day!
From Magnificent Temples and Pristine Beaches to Exquisite Handicrafts and Delicious Cuisine, Discover the Wonders of this Indian State
There are many reasons why Odisha is understood to be a truly beautiful and unique place. Let us discover them today on 1st April, Odisha Foundation Day.
Rich Cultural Heritage:
Odisha is known for its rich cultural heritage dating back thousands of years. The state is home to some of the most magnificent temples in India, such as the famous Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, the Konark Sun Temple, and the Jagannath Temple in Puri. These temples are sacred religious sites for the Hindus and they reflect upon the advanced architectural achievements of ancient India as well. Each mandir is an architectural marvel.
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Stunning Beaches:
Odisha is home to some of the most pristine and gorgeous beaches of India; Puri Beach, Chandrabhaga Beach, Gopalpur-on-Sea Beach, and Konark Beach to name a few. Just like other beaches, they are wonderful for a day spent out with friends and family and for water sports. But, they are also famous for sand art and the adorable Olive Ridley turtles.
Exquisite Handicrafts:
How can we miss out on the exquisite handicrafts of Odisha, which are made using traditional techniques, and passed down from generation to generation? Pattachitra paintings, the silver filigree work, and palm leaf engravings are not just beautiful but also serve as a testament to the state's rich cultural heritage.
Delicious Cuisine:
Odisha's cuisine is a delicious blend of spices and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Some of the most popular dishes include Chhena Poda (a sweet made from cottage cheese), Dalma (a lentil and vegetable stew), and Machha Besara (a fish curry made with mustard paste). The state is also famous for its street food, such as the mouth-watering Bara Ghugni, which is made with lentil patties and spicy chickpea curry. The Dahi Bengan is a must-try dish!
Nature's Bounty:
Odisha is abundantly blessed with natural resources and has several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that make it a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Among these, the Simlipal National Park and the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary are particularly popular. Moreover, the state is home to the Chilika Lake, which is the largest brackish water lake in Asia and serves as a sanctuary for a variety of migratory birds and marine life.
Traditional Festivals:
Odisha is known for its vibrant and rich festivals. The most popular and significant of them is the Jagannath Rath Yatra, Puri. It is the nine days festival celebrating the return of Bhagwan Jagannath to his birthplace. There are festivals celebrated by the tribal communities, like the three-day Chhau festival which entails nonstop dance, music, fasting and of course prayer.
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Modern Architectural Marvels:
The Kalinga Stadium, located in Bhubaneswar, as a seating capacity of over 15,000 and boasts state-of-the-art facilities. Nandankanan Zoological Park, known for its natural beauty and variety of animals and birds, is designed to resemble the natural habitat of the animals, making it a unique and beautiful attraction. The architecture of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) is modern and innovative, with several buildings designed in a unique way to promote sustainability and energy efficiency. There are others as well like International Convention Centre and the Odisha State Secretariat. How can we miss the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium? Named after the freedom fighter Birsa Munda, it has a capacity of 20,000 seats! It has been recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest fully seated hockey arena in the world.
Odisha is a beautiful and unique land; from its rich cultural heritage and stunning beaches to its exquisite handicrafts and delicious cuisine, there is no shortage of things to see and experience in this wonderful state. Odisha is one for the bucket list!
