Introduction
Fairs and festivals play a vital role in the lives of the people of Odisha. They break the monotony of daily life and bring joy and excitement. People of all ages and backgrounds join in these celebrations, which showcase the rich cultural heritage of Odisha. This chapter will explore the major fairs and festivals of Odisha, along with its unique cuisines.
Fairs of Odisha
Fairs, also known as “melas,” are organized to celebrate various occasions, which may or may not have religious significance. They are an essential part of Odisha’s culture. Here are some of the major fairs celebrated in Odisha:
January-February
Chandrabhaga Mela
- Date: Seventh day of the bright fortnight in Magha month (January-February)
- Location: Chandrabhaga River, near Konark Temple, Puri district
- Significance: This fair is celebrated to honor Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, who cured his leprosy by bathing in the river. People come here to seek relief from their ailments.
March-April
Taratarini Mela
- Date: Each Tuesday from mid-March to mid-April
- Location: Taratarini Pitha, 30 km from Berhampur, Ganjam district
- Significance: One of the largest fairs, with a grand gathering on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.
April-May
Dandanata
- Date: Vaisakh month (April-May)
- Location: Ganjam district
- Significance: This fair involves dance, songs, and pole performances representing Lord Shiva. It includes austerities like walking on fire and using poisonous snakes as garlands.
May-June
Chandan Jatra
- Date: Jyestha month (May-June)
- Location: Puri district
- Significance: Lord Jagannath’s smaller statue is covered with sandalwood paste and taken for a bath in a sacred tank to provide cool relief during summer.
Festivals of Odisha
Odisha is known for its vibrant festivals, reflecting its rich cultural and traditional heritage. Here are some of the major festivals:
January-February
Makar Sankranti
- Date: Mid-January
- Location: Celebrated across Odisha
- Significance: Marks the transition of the Sun into Capricorn. It’s a harvest festival with celebrations that include special foods and rituals.
Joranda Mela
- Date: Magha Purnima (January-February)
- Location: Joranda, Dhenkanal district
- Significance: A significant festival for Mahima religion devotees, involving prayers, yagyas (sacrifices), and rituals at various temples.
March-April
Dola Purnima/Holi
- Date: Full moon day in March
- Location: Coastal districts of Odisha
- Significance: Celebrates the arrival of spring and worships Lord Jagannath and Lord Krishna. It includes colorful processions and rituals.
Ashokashtami Festival
- Date: Chaitra month (March-April)
- Location: Bhubaneswar
- Significance: Also known as the Car Festival of Lord Lingaraj, featuring a ceremonial procession of the deity in a chariot.
April-May
Chandan Yatra
- Date: Akshay Tritiya (April-May)
- Location: Puri district
- Significance: A 42-day festival divided into two parts, celebrating Lord Jagannath with a special procession to Narendra Tirtha lake.
May-June
Sitalsasthi
- Date: Sixth day of the bright fortnight of Jyestha month (May-June)
- Location: Sambalpur and Bhubaneswar
- Significance: Celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati, marked by processions and traditional ceremonies.
Snana Yatra
- Date: Purnima of Jyestha month (May-June)
- Location: Puri district
- Significance: The deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are bathed in a grand ceremony. This is the first major event of the year for Jagannath devotees.
June-July
Ratha Yatra
- Date: Second day of the bright half of Ashadha (June-July)
- Location: Puri
- Significance: Known as the grandest festival, it features the procession of Lord Jagannath’s chariot to Gundicha Mandir. It’s famous for its massive chariots and attracts millions of devotees.
July-August
Gamha Purnima
- Date: Full moon day in Shravan month (July-August)
- Location: Bhubaneswar and Ganjam districts
- Significance: A festival for agriculturists involving worship of cattle and agricultural implements. Also known as Rakhi Purnima, where sacred threads are tied for protection.
September-October
Kumar Purnima
- Date: Full moon day in Ashwin month (September-October)
- Location: Dhenkanal district
- Significance: Celebrates the birth of Kumar Kartikeya, the god of war, and the goddess Laxmi. Young girls perform rituals and wish for good husbands.
Diwali
- Date: October-November
- Location: Across Odisha
- Significance: Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is celebrated with lamps, crackers, and sweets. Special rangolis and rituals mark the occasion.
Puri Beach Festival
- Date: November
- Location: Swargadwara Beach, Puri
- Significance: A celebration of classical and folk dances, crafts, and cuisines, organized by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha.
December
Konark Dance Festival
- Date: First five days of December
- Location: Konark Temple, Puri district
- Significance: Features classical dance performances at the 700-year-old Natyamandir and includes a craft fair.
Nabakalebara
- Date: Occurs every 8, 12, 18, or 19 years
- Location: Jagannath Temple, Puri
- Significance: Involves the replacement of the old idols of Lord Jagannath with new ones, while transferring the soul from the old idols to the new.
Tribal Festivals
Odisha’s tribal communities also celebrate unique festivals. Here are a few:
Adivasi Mela
- Date: January-February
- Location: Bhubaneswar
- Significance: A festival showcasing tribal art, culture, and traditions.
Bija Pandu/Chaitra Parva
- Date: March-April
- Location: Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh
- Significance: A festival for the Koya tribe involving worship of the Earth and animal sacrifices.
Karma Festival
- Date: August-September
- Location: Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Balangir
- Significance: Dedicated to the god Karam, featuring rituals and offerings.
Kedu Festival
- Date: No specific date
- Location: Kandhamal, Ganjam, Koraput
- Significance: A major festival for the Kondh tribes involving buffalo sacrifices and rituals.
Magha Parab
- Date: Varies
- Location: Various districts
- Significance: A harvest festival celebrated by various tribal communities.
Sume-Gelirak
- Date: No specific date
- Location: Koraput district
- Significance: A festival for the Bondas tribe with rituals, dancing, and traditional practices.
Cuisines of Odisha
Odisha’s cuisine is known for its variety and unique flavors. Here are some key dishes:
- Rice: The staple food, served with most dishes.
- Dalma: A mix of vegetables and lentils.
- Kanika: Sweetened rice offered to Lord Jagannath.
- Chhenapoda: A baked dessert made from cheese.
- Rasgulla: A famous sweet made from cheese curds.
- Fish: A major part of the diet due to Odisha’s coastal location.
Typical Meal Components:
- Main Course: Rice or chapati, bhaji (vegetable curry), dal (lentil soup), bharta (mashed vegetables), sakara (sweet and sour preparation).
- Desserts: Chhenapoda, Rasabali, Chhenajhili, and various Pithas (cakes).
Odisha’s cuisine uses mustard oil and ghee, especially in religious preparations.
Summary Table of Major Festivals
| Festival | Date | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chandrabhaga Mela | January-February | Chandrabhaga River | To seek relief from ailments |
| Taratarini Mela | March-April | Taratarini Pitha | Grand gathering at Taratarini Temple |
| Dandanata | April-May | Ganjam district | Austerities and pole dance rituals |
| Chandan Jatra | May-June | Puri district | Cooling ritual with sandalwood paste |
| Makar Sankranti | Mid-January | Across Odisha | Harvest festival with special |
read more – caste and tribes od odisha
Toki Parba
- Month: January
- Place: Kalahandi, Koraput
- Important Features: Worship of the Earth.
Mukteswar Dance Festival
- Month: January
- Place: Bhubaneswar
- Important Features: Organised by the Odisha Tourism Department; worship of Surya (Sun God).
Dashami
- Month: December-January
- Place: Eastern part of Odisha
- Important Features: Associated with the worship of Lord Shiva.
Ekamra
- Month: January
- Place: Bhubaneswar
- Important Features: Worship of Lord Shiva.
Dhanu Yatra/Jatra
- Month: January
- Place: Bargarh
- Important Features: Worship of Krishna.
Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsava
- Month: January-February
- Place: Bhubaneswar
- Important Features: Tribute to the martyrs of the Mauryan dynasty; includes the Konark dance and music festival.
Bhouma Ekadashi
- Month: January
- Place: Odisha
- Important Features: Worship of Lord Ganesha.
Chaiti Ghoda
- Month: March-April
- Place: Coastal areas of Odisha
- Important Features: Worship of Vasuli Devi (caste deity of Kaibartas).
Uda Parba
- Month: April
- Place: Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar
- Important Features: Worship of Goddess Hangula/Mangla and Lord Shiva; includes Chhau dance.
Patua Jatra and Chandak Puja
- Month: April-May
- Place: Prevalent among low-caste Hindus
- Important Features: Worship of Lord Shiva or Shakti.
Raja Sankranti
- Month: June-July
- Place: All over the state
- Important Features: Worship of Bhudevi, wife of Lord Jagannath.
Chitau Amavasya
- Month: July
- Place: Puri
- Important Features: Worship of Lord Jagannath.
Maha Bisuba Sankranti
- Month: April
- Place: All over Odisha
- Important Features: First day of Odia New Year.
Nuakhai
- Month: August-September
- Place: Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sonepur, Balangir, Sundargarh, Boudh, Nuapada
- Important Features: Worship of village God or Goddess.
Durga Puja
- Month: September-October
- Place: Cuttack
- Important Features: Worship of Goddess Durga.
Gupta Gundicha
- Month: September
- Place: Puri
- Important Features: Car festival of Lord Jagannath.
Bali Jatra
- Month: October-November
- Place: Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Paradip
- Important Features: Worship of Lord Kartikeswar.
Prathamashtami
- Month: December
- Place: All over the state
- Important Features: Worship of Sati Devi.
International Sand Art Festival
- Month: December
- Place: Chandrabhaga Beach, Puri district
- Important Features: Sand art festival featuring sand sculptures by skilled artists.
These festivals showcase the rich cultural heritage of Odisha and highlight its diverse traditions and religious practices.
FAQs
- In which district of Odisha is Chandrabhaga Mela held?
Answer: Puri - On which days of Chaitra month does the Taratarini Mela of Odisha take place?
Answer: Tuesday - Dandanata fair is observed in which district of Odisha?
Answer: Ganjam - On which day is ‘Mahima Mela’ or ‘Joranda Mela’ held?
Answer: Falgun Purnima - Which festival involves Lord Lingaraj being taken in a chariot from the main temple to Rameshwar temple?
Answer: Sitalsasthi - Where is the Chandan Yatra fair organised?
Answer: Puri - Which festival starts on the auspicious day of Akshya Tritiya?
Answer: Chandan Yatra - Which 42-day long festival is related to Lord Jagannath’s festivals in Puri district?
Answer: Chandan Yatra - What does the Sitalsasthi festival relate to?
Answer: The marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati - Which festival is celebrated on the birthday of Lord Jagannath?
Answer: Snana Yatra - In which month is the world-famous Ratha Yatra celebrated?
Answer: Ashadha - Which statement about Ratha Yatra is not correct?
Answer: All the three chariots are drawn on the same day. - What is the name of Raksha Bandhan in Odisha?
Answer: Gamha Purnima - Kumar Purnima festival is mainly celebrated in which district of Odisha?
Answer: Dhenkanal - In which month is the Konark Dance festival held?
Answer: December - Which festival marks the demise and rebirth of Lord Jagannath of Puri?
Answer: Nabakalebara - Where is the Adivasi Mela held in Odisha?
Answer: Bhubaneswar - Where is the Bija Pandu festival celebrated in Odisha?
Answer: All of these - Which festival is most important for the tribal people of Koraput district in Odisha?
Answer: Bija Pandu - Which community mainly celebrates the tribal festival Karma?
Answer: Farmers - Where is the Kedu festival celebrated?
Answer: All of these - Which festival is a harvest festival celebrated in Odisha?
Answer: Chaitu Amavasya - Which of the following is a tribal festival in Odisha?
Answer: Sume-Gelirak - Dhanu Yatra festival is related to which God/Goddess?
Answer: Krishna - In which festival is Chhau dance especially performed in Odisha?
Answer: Uda Parba - Which day is celebrated as the beginning of the Odia year?
Answer: Maha Bisuba Sankranti - Which famous cuisine of Odisha includes a preparation of vegetables and lentils?
Answer: Dalma - Consider the following about ‘Makar Mela’ of Odisha: I. It is celebrated during mid-January. II. Moon God is worshipped during ‘Makar Mela’. Which of the given statements is/are correct?
Answer: Only 1 - Consider the following statements about Dola Purnima: I. In Odisha it is celebrated for five days. II. Cattle are fed sumptuously in this festival. Which of the statements is/are correct?
Answer: Both 1 and 2 - Consider the following statements about Puri Beach Festival: I. Puri Beach festival is held in November each year. II. It is conducted by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO). Which of the statements is/are correct?
Answer: Both 1 and 2 - Consider the following statements: I. The festival of Nabakalebara is celebrated according to the Odia Lunar Calendar. II. It is celebrated only in those years that have even numbers. Which of the statements is/are correct?
Answer: Only 1 - Match the following festivals with their respective months: A. Toki Paraba – 1. January B. Akshaya Tritiya – 2. April C. Chitau Amavasya – 3. July D. Karama festival – 4. August-September
Answer: A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
