Famous Fairs and Festivals of Odisha

Travellers from all across the world desire to visit Odisha for its rich culture, heritage andtradition. Odisha is renowned for its different festivals and for this we assure to make yourOdisha tour during the festival season a memorable one.

Ratha Yatra

Rath Yatra festival is celebrated annually in Puri, Odisha. During this world-renowned festival, lord Jagannatha is worshipped along with his brother lord Balabhadra and Sister Devi Subhadra.

Rath Yatra (chariot festival) marks the annual journey of the three deities from the 12th century Jagannath temple in the chariots to the temple of Devi Gundicha, their aunt. The celebration ends nine days later with Bahuda Yatra or the return journey of the three to their temple.

Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav

Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav is celebrated on foot hills of Dhauli Shanti Stupa in association with Odisha Dance Academy. The festival is celebrated to keep odia ancient culture alive. A major part of Orrisa was earlier known as Kalinga, the land which is seen brutal murders and death of martyrs during the reign of Ashoka. It is the place where Ashoka decided to start a peaceful and non- violent life. Kalinga Mahotsav is celebrated to mark the victory of peace over war. To pay tribute to the martyrs of Mauryan dynasty the festival is celebrated. It is attended by locals as well as national and international heritage enthusiasts. The festival brings together classical, folk, martial arts demonstration on one platform, a treat for the commoners and connoisseurs alike.

Chandan Yatra

Chandan Yatra takes place in the month of Vaisaksha for 6 weeks.. This is the longest festival celebrated in odisha also known as Gandhalepana yatra. The festival is celebrated during peak of summer. So To keep the Deities cool during the time, devotees apply sandalwood paste (chandana) over Radha Madhava and other Deities. ‘Chandana Yatra’ is very attractive and a vast crowd of devotees attend this ritual. Thousand of pilgrimages gather to take part in the celebration of this great festival of Orrisa. All devotees including children and pilgrims are offered a chance to grind chandana for the pleasure of the Deities. The 42 day long festival is observered in two parts: Bahara Chandana and Bhitara Chandana.

Rajarani Music Festival

Rajarani Music Festival is one of the most famous festivals of Orissa, organized every year by Odisha Tourism Department in collaboration with other organizations like Orissa Sangeet Natak Academy, OTDC and Union of Tourism. The festival aims to popularize the glorious tradition of Indian classical music. The Rajaran Music Festival is an evening music concert held over two days against the backdrop of the 11th century Rajaran Temple Complex. Different forms of Indian classical music like Hindustani, Carnatic and Odissi are celebrated with extraordinary performances by various renowned singers and instrumentalists from across the country. This musical extravaganza not only attracts locals, but also travelers from all over the world love to attend the festival. They are fascinated by the culture of the country and desires to visit again.