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Odisha — Culture,
Heritage & Language

Jagannath Temple, Konark, Odissi dance

Introduction

Odisha, on India's eastern coast, is the land of the Jagannath cult at Puri, the Sun Temple at Konark and the classical Odissi dance. Ancient Kalinga's maritime legacy, tribal heritage and pristine beaches define the state.

Quick Facts

Capital
Bhubaneswar
Largest City
Bhubaneswar
Official Language
Odia
Formation Date
26 January 1950
Area
155,707 sq km
Population
46,000,000+
Region
East
Type
State
Language
Odia is the official language and one of India's classical languages. Hindi, Bengali, Telugu and several tribal languages (Santali, Ho, Kui) are also spoken.
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Traditional Dress
Men wear dhoti-kurta and gamcha; women wear handloom sarees — Sambalpuri Ikat, Bomkai, Kotpad and Berhampuri Patta are world-famous.
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Festivals
Rath Yatra of Puri, Durga Puja, Konark Dance Festival, Raja Parba, Nuakhai and Bali Yatra are celebrated. Rath Yatra draws millions to Puri each year.
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Cuisine
Pakhala Bhata, Dalma, Macha Ghanta, Chhena Poda, Rasagola (claimed origin), Pitha varieties and Khichidi offered at Jagannath Temple's Mahaprasad.
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Literature
From Sarala Das's Odia Mahabharata to Fakir Mohan Senapati, Gopabandhu Das, Pratibha Ray and Sitakant Mahapatra (Jnanpith laureate).
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Art Forms
Odissi classical dance, Pattachitra painting, Tala Pattachitra (palm-leaf etching), Sambalpuri Ikat weaving, silver filigree of Cuttack and Saura tribal art.
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Historical Importance
Ancient Kalinga whose conquest by Ashoka led to his Buddhist conversion; medieval Eastern Ganga dynasty built Konark and Jagannath temples; major maritime trade with Southeast Asia.
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Districts & Cities

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