Rath Yatra
Odisha’s beach town of Puri plays host to one of the largest religious congregations in the world each year. Held in the month of June/July the Rath Yatra festival is an epic drama of spirituality and rich pageantry, showcasing centuries of Odisha’s religious persuasions. The rath (chariot) festival of Lord Jagannath at Puri is the leading light on Odisha’s annual events calendar. The abode of the deity, the centuries-old Jagannath Temple, is one of the four most sacred ‘dhams’ (pilgrimage hub) for those of the Hindu faith.
The massive, gorgeously decorated chariots, carrying Lord Jagannath, and his siblings Balbhadra and Subhadra, through devotee-filled streets is a sight few can forget. The journey from the iconic temple to the Gundicha Ghar—and back a week later, is a tumultuous outpouring of religious fervour, with devotees actually pulling the chariots forward. Faith is a powerful thing and on the day of Lord Jagannath visitors can witness it as a vibrant, fantastical experience that touches all in different ways.
Konark Dance Festival
Amongst India’s biggest fiestas of the performing arts since 1986 the Konark Dance Festival is a feast for the senses. Played out against the backdrop of the magnificent Konark Sun Temple, this 5-day annual festival in December showcases many of India’s classical dance forms—Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Manipuri, Kathakali, Kathak, Kuchipudi, and Sattriya, amongst others, by some of the most accomplished exponents of these genres. Visitors also get to enjoy other cultural aspects of Odisha at the Crafts Mela held at the Urban Haat during this grand festival.
Mukteswara Dance Festival
Organized by the state tourism department, this three-day dance festival plays out in January/February, at the beautiful at the 10th-century Mukteswara Temple, fabled for its sculptural delights. The event is a wonderful platform for celebrating the graceful Odissi dance, one of the oldest classical dance forms in India. Many of the hand and foot movements of the dancers are captured in stone on this ancient edifice. The temple is famous for its balanced proportions and masterly stonework.
Raja Rani Music Festival
The three-day annual festival in January unfolds against the backdrop of the stunning 10th-century Raja Rani Temple. Visitors get to enjoy the festival which hosts many of India’s top classical vocalists and musicians from across the country renowned for their expertise in the genres of vocals including Hindustani, Carnatic, Sufi and Odissi music. The festival has put Bhubaneswar amongst the top classical music destinations in the country.
Vrindaban Mahotsav
Founded by renowned Indian flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, the Vrindaban Gurukul in Bhubaneshwar in over 11 years has made many contributions to the field of Indian classical music, in particular, the flute. It annually mounts the very popular flagship Indian classical music event, in March at Utkal Mandap in Bhubaneswar.
International Sand Festival
Chandrabhaga Beach, close to the Konark Sun Temple, plays host to the International Sand Art Festival which coincides with the Konark Dance Festival in December. Sudarsan Pattnaik, world-renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee, has been the Chief Curator of the festival. Launched in 2015, the Sand Art Festival has witnessed the participation of artists from Mexico, Spain, Singapore, France, Norway, Germany, The Netherlands, and the USA. Because of its great cultural significance, Chandrabagha hosts many cultural events including the Chandrabhaga Mela.
National Chilika Bird Festival
The pristine environs of Nalabana Island on Chilika Lake are out of bounds for tourists year-round, but they are permitted to visit the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary here on the second day of the Bird Festival. Asia’s largest inland seawater lagoon, with its sprawl of 1,100 sq km, with a liberal scattering of islands, is India’s largest wintering habitat for migratory birds. Chilika, an important Ramsar Wetland Site in India, falls on the Central Asian Flyway for avifauna and is a primary destination for arctic and sub-arctic species during their onward and return migration along the east coast.The National Chilika Bird Festival held at Mangalajodi, situated in the northeastern part of the lake, in February, was set up by the state tourism department, with the aim of promoting ecotourism. Mangalajodi freshwater wetland and Nalabana Island which form part of the Chilika Lake have been identified as Important Bird Areas (IBA). The three-day event is a delight for birdwatchers as it attracts over 10 lakh avifauna of over 200 species. It is one of the largest breeding grounds for greater flamingoes.
