Festivals in Odisha are mesmerizing in their raw energy, religious fervor and a splash of colors juxtaposed with rhythms that vary from district to district and tribe to tribe. The religious undercurrent in events of all origin and purpose unite the festivals and fairs in a harmony of dances, music and Jatras that complete Odisha’s calendar year where festivals in Odisha are concerned.
Enamored with temples across its landscape, Odisha hosts a number of temple festivals especially related to Lord Jagannath at Puri including the world famous Rath Yatra or the Car Festival.
Since Odisha is also constitutes of many tribal communities especially in its south-western districts, the festivals in Odisha also include tribal festivals and fairs that are sometimes intriguing, sometimes bewildering but always entertaining. Some of the tribal festivals include Chaita Parva and Bali Yatra.
Festivals in Odisha are however not restricted to temples and tribal festivals but are also concerned with celebrating the cycle of life with all its joys and sorrows. To showcase the varied folk tradition and cultural heritage of Odisha, there are several special festivals being organized in Odisha such as the Puri Beach Festival, Konark Festival and Kalinga Festival.
Festivals in Odisha also include religious festivals that are unique to Odisha (Raja, Kumar Purnima) and the ones that are celebrated at the national level (Durga Puja, Maha Shiv Ratri, Dusherra, Diwali etc).
Tourism Odisha offers you an opportunity of your lifetime to explore the riches of Odisha with its festivals and fairs.