Orissa Tourism
Erstwhile Kalinga of the famous Mauryan emporer Ashoka, the maritime state of Orissa has a varied and fascinating history represented by the famous Sun temple at Konark and the revered Jagannath temple at Puri. Home to sixty-two tribes, the state also boasts of many wild life sanctuaries with denizens including the graceful white tiger. The state's odissi dance, handlooms and exquisite handicrafts give it a unique and favorable identity.
Art and Culture
Orissa boasts of a rich and vibrant cultural heritage naturally caused by a long history of different rulers of varied cultural and artistic inclinations. Further confluence of racial streams has also enriched the art, craft and culture of Orissa in no uncertain terms. Orissa is particularly famous for its brass work, silver work, terracotta art objects and appliqu work, besides its unique handloom.
Fairs and Festivals
Besides celebrating the important festivals like Dusshera, Durga Puja, Diwali and Holi, Orissa also has its own share of numerous festivals celebrated with frolic and vivacity. The most prominent Puri festival comprises of Rath Yatra, Chandan Yatra and Devasnana purnima. While the Puri Beach festival is a fun lovers fest, the Konark Dance festival marks a befitting tribute to the magnificent Sun temple at Konark.
Puri Beach Festival
Modeled on the lines of Goa Beach festival, Puri Beach festival is organized for five consecutive days to bring about and showcase the cultural and traditional bounty of Orissa to the fore.
The festival is an astounding effort of the Ministry of Tourism, state government, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Orissa and authorities of Handicrafts and cultural centers, joining hand together to promote tourism and offer cultural programmes, unique shopping opportunity, sports activities, and fireworks competition against the backdrop of pious Jagannath temple and wide expanse of Bay of Bengal.
Puri Rath Yatra
Celebrated with great fervor and intensity, the Puri rath yatra marks presence of countless stout devotees of Lord Jagannath who throng the place from all parts of the world to escort the pious idols of Lord Jagannath.
And his siblings after a bath, from his aunt's home - Temple Gundicha. A bare three kilometer walk witnesses a sea of people jostling among themselves to grab hold of the rope that pulls the chariot of their beloved Lord.
Also known as the Car festival of Puri, the Puri Rath Yatra is the most elaborate and pious festival of Orissa that never fails to astound.
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