Odisha Culture: Top most Things That You Must Know!

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Introduction

Odisha is a state in India with a rich culture. It is known for its natural beauty, coastal towns, temples and festivals. So, if you are planning to visit Odisha, here are some things that you must know!

The History of Odisha

The history of Odisha is a long and complex one that spans many centuries. The region has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many things to know about the state’s history if you want to get to grips with its culture. Here are some of the top most things that you must know about Odisha:

1. Odisha is one of the oldest states in India. It was formed in the early years of the Common era, and it has a long and complex history.

2. The state is home to a variety of cultures and religions, and it has a rich heritage that is distinctive from other parts of India.

3. Odisha is well known for its temples and monuments, which are some of the most famous in India. These sites are testament to the state’s rich cultural heritage.

4. Odisha is also known for its natural beauty, and there are many attractions located in the state. These include lakes, forests, rivers, and hills.

Language and Dialects in Odisha

About Odia Language:

-Odia is the official language of the state of Odisha in India. It is a member of the Indo-Aryan group of languages and is written in the Odia alphabet.

-Odia has a large number of dialects. Kalinganese, Ganjam, Majhwar, and Chitradurga are some of the most spoken dialects in Odisha.

-Odia has been influential in both Hindu and Buddhist tradition. It has served as a medium for literary works and poems.

Religion in Odisha

Religion in Odisha is an integral part of the culture. The most popular religion in Odisha is Hinduism. Christianity is also popular in the state. Islam is growing rapidly in Odisha, especially in coastal areas. Buddhism and Jainism are also popular in the state.

There are two main Hindu religious festivals celebrated in Odisha- Dussehra and Navaratri. Dussehra is celebrated on the night of the full moon in September- October and marks the victory of good over evil. Navaratri is celebrated on nine nights during the lunar month of Ashwin (March-April). It is a festival of lights and celebrates the return of goddess Durga after defeating demons.

Odishan people are devotees of different gods and goddesses. For example, there is a god named Ganesh in Hinduism who is worshiped for his wisdom and knowledge. There are also many goddesses worshipped in Odisha, such as Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Gayatri, and Durga etc.

Festivals and Celebrations in Odisha

Festivals and Celebrations in Odisha are some of the most colourful and joyous celebrations in India. From Durga Puja to Gudi Padwa, there is a festival for everyone to enjoy.

Here is a list of topmost festivals and celebrations in Odisha:

1) Durga Puja - The biggest and most famous festival of Odisha is Durga Puja. This festival is celebrated all over the state with great pomp and show. The main attraction of this festival is the installation of the idol of Goddess Durga. This festival lasts for several days and attracts millions of people from all over India and abroad.

2) Ganesh Chaturthi - Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular festivals in Odisha. It is celebrated with great fanfare all over the state. The main attraction of this festival is the parade of Ganesh idols through the streets. This festival lasts for several days and attracts a large number of people from all walks of life.

3) Saraswati Puja - Saraswati puja is also celebrated with great pomp and show in many parts of Odisha. It is considered as one of the most important festivals in odisha.

Cuisine in Odisha

When it comes to cuisine, the state of Odisha has something for everyone. The coastal districts are home to a variety of seafood dishes, while the central and north-eastern parts of the state are known for their chicken and mutton dishes. However, it is the traditional Odia dishes that are most popular across the state. Here are some of the topmost things you must know about Odisha cuisine:

1) Chutney is a staple in Odisha cuisine and is used in various ways to add flavor to food. It can be made from a variety of fruits, vegetables or spices and is often served as part of a meal.

2) Sambar is another popular dish in Odisha. It is made from lentils, rice and spices and is often served with rice or chapattis.

3) Achar (or pickles) is another important part of Odisha cuisine. They can be made from a variety of fruits and vegetables and are used to add flavor and freshness to food.

4) Dosa (a type of pancake) is also a popular dish in Odisha. It can be made from a variety of ingredients, including rice and lentils, etc.

Top Tourist Attractions in Odisha

The top tourist attractions in Odisha are undoubtedly the beaches and the temples. While the beaches are well known for their crystal-clear water, it is the temples that attract the most tourists to Odisha. These include the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Sun Temple at Konark, and the Kalinga Mahabharata Temple at Bhubaneswar. There are also a number of other temples worth visiting in Odisha, such as Balaji Temple in Balasore, Someshwara Temple in Cuttack, and Jagannath Temple at Kendrapara.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our Odisha Culture article! In this piece, we will be discussing some of the most essential things that you should know about the culture of Odisha. From its rich history to its vibrant contemporary life, we have covered it all in this article. So, make sure to bookmark it and come back to read again soon!