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Orissa being a land of ancient
and sacred temples, and a state
where three religions
flourished, is thronged by
pilgrims throughout the year.
There are a large number of
fairs and festivals celebrated
in the state. There are
festivals relating to each
religion, tribal festivals,
festivals relating to Lord
Jagannath, the presiding deity
of the Puri Temple, and many
seasonal exhibitions and fairs
as well as special festivals
such as the Konark Dance
Festival, the Rajarani Music
Festival, the Puri Beach
Festival etc.
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 Durga
Puja
Durga
Puja
(September-October)
symbolises the
commemoration of
good over evil. Life
comes to a
stand-still in the
city of Cuttack as
crowds pour over the
Puja Mandaps to
enjoy the
festivities. On the
day succeeding 'Vijaya
Dasami', the last
day of Dussera, the
images are taken in
a spectacular
procession for
immersion in the
river Kathajodi. |
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 Rath
Yatra
The most famous
Orissan festival is
of course the Ratha
Yatra or Car
Festival (June-July)
which attracts
pilgrims and
visitors from all
over the world. On
the full moon day of
the month of Jyestha
known as snana
Purnima, the idols
of Jagannath,
Balabhadra slid
Subhadra are brought
out and bathed on a
pendal known as the
snarlamandap
according to
religious rites. |
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Chandan Yatra
Chandan Yatra marks
the conclusion of
the cycle of
religious festivals
observed in the
famous shrine of
Lord Jagannth at
Puri followed by
similar other
shrines of Orissa.
The festival,
starting from
Akshyaya Trutiya,
lasts for twenty-one
days and is held in
the month of Baisakh
at the height of the
summer heat when
Chandan (sandle-paste)
and water are
essential to keep
people cool. |
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Dola Purnima (
Holi )
Dolapwnima or Holi
is the most famous
spring festival of
India. Usually
celebrated in March.
It has special
properties in its
celebration in
Orissa where it is a
five day affair,
especially in the
rural areas. The
images of Krishna
are worshipped form
Dashami (10th day of
the bright
fortnight) to the
full moon day. |
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Puri Beach
Festival
The Puri Beach
Festival is an out
and out fun lovers
fest. Conducted by
the Hotel and
Restaurant
Association of
Orissa (HRAO), the
festival is a
celebration of
Orissa, in all its
beauty, charm and
fun-loving spirit.
With events ranging
from Fashion shows
to rock shows, the
Puri Beach festival. |
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 Konark
Dance Festival
Described as a poem
in stone, the Sun
temple at Konark is
the crowning glory
of the temple
architecture of
Orissa. As a fitting
tribute to the
majestic monument,
eminent classical
dancers of India get
together during the
Konark Festival
every year. |
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