About Odisha

Odisha is one of the 29 states of India, located in the eastern part of India. It is the 9th largest state by area, and the 11th largest by population. The ancient kingdom of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in 261 BCE resulting in the bloody Kalinga War, coincides with the modern day Odisha. The modern state of Odisha was established on 1st April 1936, as a province in British India and consisted predominantly of Odia speaking regions. Therefore, 1st April is celebrated as Utkala Dibas (foundation day of Odisha). The region is also known as Utkala and is mentioned in India's national anthem. Bhubaneswar is the capital of Odisha which is known for its exquisite temples.

Odia is the language spoken by the majority of the people of the state. Odia is the sixth language of the country to get “classical language'' status.

Contemporary Odisha has a cultural heritage that arose due to the intermingling of three religious traditions – Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The culture of the Adivasis is also an integral part of modern Odisha heritage. The sacred environs of Lord Jagannath temple, the eroticism of Konark's Sun temple, the wondrous caves of Jainism, the mystical monasteries of Buddhism, the paintings of folklore and the weaver's magic; all stand as meek evidences of an eloquent past and continuing golden present of Odisha.

Dance and music form an inseparable part of the rich culture of the state. The exotic ‘Odissi’ dance evolved from the cult of the 'devadasis' or female temple dancers and is the one of the oldest classical dance. The other variety of dances includes folk dances like ‘Gotipua’, ‘Chhou', 'Sambalpuri' and ‘Mahari’ along with tribal dances like 'Ghumura' & 'Paraja'.

'Rathyatra' of Lord Jagannath is an absolute synonym to Odisha culture. 'Bali Jatra' fair reminds all of us the ancient maritime links with countries of South East Asia, like Bali, Java and Sumatra etc. for trade and cultural exchanges.