ART & Culture under RDC, CD, Cuttack

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The jurisdiction of Revenue Divisional Commissioner, Central Division, Cuttack is

extended from Puri to Mayurbhanj. The zone of Central Division is comprised of Ten districts

such as Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Khordha, Mayurbhanj,

Nayagarh, Puri. This Central Division of RDC has been established on 1957. The Central

Division is one of the three RDC Division of Odisha. Mostly coastal districts comes under this

Division apart from Mayurbhanj, where tribal culture is predominantly found. A mixture of all

culture were Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam are being found in the areas of

this Division. The District wise details of different culture found under this Division are as

follows:

BALASORE

Balasore culture is a blend of traditional festivals, food, and music. The city offers a

cosmopolitan and diverse lifestyle with a variety of food, entertainment, available in a form and

abundance comparable to that in other cities. Balasore residents celebrate both

Western and Indian festivals. Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, Navratri, Good

Friday, Dussera, Muharram, Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja, Rajaa and Maha Shivratri are some

of the popular festivals in the city. The akhada Arts Festival during durga puja is a unique culture

of Balasore. In Balasore district, available art are 1) Palla 2) Daskathia 3) Chadheya Nata 4) Dadhi Nata

5) Sankirtana 6) Ghoda Nacha 7) Tribal Dance 8) Manasa Pala 9) Sasthi Pala 10) Chhau 11) Pitula Nacha

12) Kela Keluni 13) Paika Akhada.

(Ghoda Nacha, a folk dance form of Balasore)

Balasore District is very much famous for its glorious history, art, culture and tradition.

There are many beautiful temples and spots to be seen here at Balasore District. The people of

the various religious beliefs residing here, viz. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians etc, amply

display the cultural genesis of Balasore District. The copper coins collected from Bhograi and

the collection of statues of Lord Buddha from places like Avana, Kupari, Basta and Ayodhya

magnifies the existence of Buddhism here. Buddhism is also popular during “Bhoumakar”. The

statue of Lord Jaina at Jaleswar, Balasore and Avana hints about Jainism that is practiced in this

District, which was also popular during 10th and 11th centuries.

Balasore District is highly famous for its Shaiva-Pitha”s and many a temples of Lord

Shiva are seen at places throughout the district. The temples of Lord Shiva at Chandaneshwar,

Baneshwar, Jhadeshwar, Panchalingeshwar, Bhusandeshwar and Mani-Nageshwar are highly

popular..

The District has also attained fame for its Saktipitha’s, found at “Bhudhar Chandi” of

Sajanagarh, “Danda Kali” of Khantapara and “Chandi Mandir” at Kharjureshwar. The Sun

temples of Ayodhya, Seragarh, Nilagiri and Bardhanpur makes one to reminiscence about the

images of the “Sun Devotee”. Vaishnab Dharma is popular here from the time of Gupta dynasty.

Vishnu temples at different places of the District and the Khirochora temple (built during the

period of second Narasingha Dev) highlight the religious and cultural inclinations of the

District”s people.

The two Jagannath temples at the heart of Balasore and other Jagannath temples at

Nilagiri, Mangalpur, Gud, Jaleswar, Kamarda, Deuligan and Baliapal unfolds the culture of this

region. Many a Masjid, Church, Gurudwara (at Remuna) etc. identifies the different religions

and places of worship in this District,

Famous festivals like Makara Sankranti, Raja Sankranti, Ganga Mela, Durga Puja, Kali

Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi, Saraswati Puja, Laxmi Puja, Bishwakarma Puja, Chandan festival, Car

festival, Maha Shivaratri, Dola Purnima, Id, Moharrum, Christmas Day etc. are performed with

much pump and fanfare by the people of this region. Balasore is famous for the most attractive

and enjoyable game of “Akhada”, played during Durga Puja by Hindus & during Moharrum by

Muslims. People of this District had played a dominant role in the language revolution, during

the making of the separate Odisha province. The important newspapers “Bodhadayeenee” and

“Balasore Sambad Bahika”, by the efforts of Vysa Kabi Fakir Mohan Senapati had sown the

seeds of Oriya language revolution and for the development of Oriya literature.

Odisha’s cultural history will ever remember the contributions of Raja Baikuntha Nath

Dev, Vysa Kabi Fakir Mohan and Rai Bahadur Radha Charan Das, for their efforts in making

Odisha a separate province and in glorifying Oriya language and literature

BHADRAK

Bhadrak is famous for Bhadrakali Temple, which is also now a great occasion over the

district.Aradi, Chandabali, Dhamanagar, Kharida Binayakpur, Dhamara, and Guamala

Nuasasan are some other places of tourist interest.

In Bhadark District available folk are Mugal Tamasa, Baunsa Rani, Chadheiya Dance,

Kathi Pala, Sakhi Pala, Daskathia, Women pala.

(Artiest playing Moghal Tamsa)

Nalanga, a village in Gelpur Panchayat is famous for Lord Naleswar (Shiva). The

Naleswar Temple is one of the oldest temples in Odisha. Nalanga is the birthplace of Lok- kabi

Jagannath Pani, the teacher of Baishnav Pani.

Kharida Binayakpur is another village in Basudevpur constituency of this district is

famous for Maa Ankudeswari Temple and its Moha vishuba Sankranti, Ravan Podi during

Durga puja also famous in this village.

Brahmangan, another village in Basudevpur constituency of this district is famous for its

century-old Prasanna Khemeswar mahadeva temple and its melana jatra during holi. Durga puja

& Jagar also famous in this village.

Biggest Pond in Odisha and Famous Maa Patana Mangala Temple (Chhatrapada) is about

38.0 km (43 min) away from Bhadrak.

Banta, Basantia, Basudebpur blocks & villages respectively in which village various

melas are organised in various days of the year out of which Panchuka Purnima which is

celebrating in a very great fun of people in which boat is sailed in the big pond of Basantia

village in the memories of Oriya Sadhabas, who was going to make their business in the near

islands like Java and Borneo, Indonesia for too many days.

The Dash family is in the village of Nuagaon near to the historical place ream is largest

members of family in the district. This family gave many eminent personalities to the

motherland. Late Panu Dash is one of them who martyred in Second Jaliwala Bag fight.

Pirahat, the place in Tihidi block is historical and cultural area which is famous for durga

puja, kali puja,and other festivals. Durga Puja of the village Barabatia completing 400 years

shows the greatness of place. Many freedom fighters are also born in pirahat. The gandhi statue

at Pirhat kali padia is the emblem of freedom fighters.

CUTTACK

Inscriptions of Ananga Bhima Deva lll refer the original city as Abhinab-Biranasi–Katak.

Like the city of Baranasi, situated in between Baruna and Asi, Cuttack is situated between the

rivers Mahanadi and Kathajodi. Cuttack developed into a city out of five villages’ viz. Choudwar

Katak, Baranasi Katak, Sarangagarh Katak, Virata Katak and Amaravati Katak. In the remote

past, Cuttack was connected both by land routes and waterways with the renowned medieval

ports like Chelitalo, Palur and Tamralipti.

Although politically Cuttack was not that significant before the 8th century A.D, still it

was a flourishing mart of Eastern trade. However, Cuttack became a capital city at the end of the

10th century A.D, during the reign of Somavanansi dynasty of Odisha.The importance of

Cuttack rapidly increased after the occupation of Odisha by ChodaGangaDeva early in the 12th

century A.D. ChodaGanga transferred his capital from Kalinganagar to Katak, which was more

centrally located. The famous Barabati Fort was constructed in 1229 A.D.by the famous Ganga

ruler AnangBhimaDeva lll.After the Ganges, Odisha passed into the hands of the Gajapati under

whom Cuttack continued to be the capital of the state. The reference from Ain–i–Akbari clearly

denotes that Cuttack was a flourishing capital city during the time of Mukunda Deva. On the eve

of Afghan occupation, Cuttack was found to be a well guarded and heavily fortified capital.The

Afghans however were not destined to rule Odisha and they were soon ousted by the Imperial

Mughals. Cuttack continued to be the capital of Mughal Odisha and Abul Fazl clearly mentions

that Mughal Governor was residing in that city.

During the rule of the Marathas, Cuttack greatly prospered as an emporium of trade and

commerce and became a central market for exchange between the Marathas of Nagpur and the

English merchants of Bengal and Northern Circar.As per the treaty of Deogaon, Cuttack came

under British occupation in 1803 and the English set themselves to the task of consolidation and

land revenue administration. As an after effect of the devastating famine of 1866, the

government gave serious consideration to remove the isolation of Cuttack from the outside world

and at the same time to prevent the recurrence of such calamities in future. Along with several

water ways, roads were also opened during the later part of the 19th century to provide Cuttack

with internal communication. Then towards the last decade of the 19th century, railway line of

BNR connected Cuttack directly with Madras and Calcutta.

The first newspaper of Odisha, ‘Utkal Dipika’ was published by the Cuttack Printing

Company due to the efforts of Gourisankar Ray in 1866. There was a great change in the

educational scenario of Cuttack after the British occupation, with the establishment of the first

Government English School in 1841. It slowly progressed as the Higher English School until the

famine of 1886. Then the school was converted into a college with intermediate teaching in

1868, which in due course of time took the name of Ravenshaw College. Ravenshaw College

was converted to Ravenshaw University on 15th November 2006. Odisha Medical was

established in 1875, following the establishment of Cuttack General Hospital in 1874.

The Cuttack Municipality came into existence in 1876. In 1923, two new educational institutions

opened in Cuttack. One was Cuttack Training College and the other was Odisha School of

Engineering, which developed out of the old Survey School, separated from the Ravenshaw

College in 1915 and from the Government workshop located at Jobra.

Barabati Stadium During the freedom struggle, Swaraj Ashram of Sahebazada Bazar was the

center of all nationalist activities. The Ashram is a place of pilgrimage for all Gandhites as

Gandhiji indoctrinated the youths of Odisha with the mantra of truth and non-violence.Cuttack

has been enjoying all along the unique privilege of being the administrative and commercial

nerve center of Odisha. It was the seat of the Commissioner of Odisha Division till 1936, and

with the formation of the province of Odisha in that year; it was exalted to be the head quarter of

the new province. The historic Lalbagh place which was being occupied by the Commissioner

became the Governor House. Now it has been converted to children’s hospital called ‘Sishu

Bhawan’. A stadium known as the Barabati Stadium has been built on the famous Killa Maidan

near the Barabati Fort.

Observance of many socio-religious cultural festivals are common features of the City as well as

the District.

Akshaya Trutiya: This is an important agricultural festival, falls in the month of Vaishakha and

characterized by the ceremonial sowing of paddy in the field.The construction of Chariots for the

Car festival and the Chandan Yatra starts in this auspicious day. In cuttack District, the rural

households observe Akshaya Trutiya very piously.

It is celebrated on the 2nd day of the month of Asadha. In Cuttack Town, the Car festival

is being observed at Dolamundai Jagannath Temple, Chandini Chowk Jagannath Temple,

Ranihat Jagannath Temple along with many other places of the District like at Jagannath

Temple, Dampada, Athagarh Jagannath Temple etc. with huge gatherings.

Ganesh Puja, Saraswati Puja, Khudurukuni Osha, Shiv Ratri, Magha Saptami and Mangal

bara Osha, Kumar Purnima are being observed by the people of the district.

Maa Katak Chandi and Gada Chandi are famous Shaki Pithas in Cuttack City. The Shakti

worship in Odisha goes back to the pre-Gupta period. It is said that the first mass celebration of

Durgapuja was started observed in Cuttack City during the visit of Sri Chaitanya Dev in 15th

Century CE. However a large nos of Durga, Siva,Parbati/Shakti idols are being built up by the

artisans. The emersion ceremony of Durgapuja is very attractive, popular and enjoyable. This

puja has been mingled with the Odisha’s socio-religious and cultural traditions . Since last 2

years Durga , Lord, Shiva and related idols are worshipped in 157 Puja Mandaps of the Cuttack

City with much fanfare. The unique fact in emersion ceremony of Durga puja is that almost all

the idols are taken in a procession with very much discipline with the spirit of brotherhood called

“Bhai Chaara” among the Katakias( people of Cuttack).

(Tarakasi Medha of Durga Puja, Cuttack)

Kalipuja in Cuttack City is celebrated with immersion Utsav with much pomp and

fanfare. This year Kalipuja along with Deepavali was observed on 19th October and Bhasani

Utsav was held on 22nd October. About 75 idols of Maa Kali were worshipped in different Puja

Mandapas in and around Cuttack City.

Maa Sholapuri Puja : Popularly known as Shola pua maa thakurani Puja is observed by the

Telegu community in Cuttack city. This festival has been synchronised with Cuttack’s own

traditions of worshiping mother goddess Durga.

Chhat Puja : Bihari community of Cuttack city celebrate the famous festival “Chhat” during the

month of October. They go to the river bed to perform Puja to Sun God.

Kartik Purnima/Rasa Purnima and Baliyatra : The Odia month of Kartik is the most auspicious

month of the year. The fool moon day i;e Kartik Purnima has been celebrated at Boita Bandana

Divas since ancient times. The memories of Odisha Maritime activities are very much connected

with the Kartik Purnima celebrations. The Sadhavas (Merchants) were beginning their voyage by

boat from the Kalingan shores to Java, Borneo, Sumatra, Ceylon like East Asian countries on

Kartika Purnima. To commemorate the day, even today, early in the morning of kartik Purnima

,boats made out of Banana stem with the lamps and betel leaves and betel nuts are set a sail on

the river or in the tank by the people of Odisha.

(Balijatra, Cuttack)

The famous Balijatra Cuttack starts on this auspicious day. It has now extended from Killa Fort

ground to the Sand bed of Mahanadi(Tala Padia) Thousands of stalls are open to exhibit various

products. National level Pallishree Mela, Gandhi Silpa Bazar are being organized and the

Balijatra Cuttack Utsav continues for seven days starting from the day of Kartik Purnima.

Balijatra has now established a commercial approach like Puskar Mela of Rajashthan. Cultural

programmes in Baishnab Pani Mandap of Balijatra ground are being organised during

Baliyatra.It is mainly started from the day of Kartik Purnima,the end of kartik month and

generally falls in the month of November. Besides local artists from the District and rural folk

artists (lok Kala) of Zilla Kala Sanskruti Sangha, cultural troupes from Cultural Department of

Odisha, different parts of Odisha as well as from other states and from abroad participate in the

week long cultural programme being organised on the occasion of Balijatra.Balijatra is now

adorned with the acclaim of State Mohatsav this year by Sri Nabin Pattnaik ,the Chief Minister

of Odisha.

JAGATSINGHPUR

Jagatsinghpur is also famous for the Sarala Temple and is well known as the cultural

heart of Odisha. Sarala Das was a 15th-century poet and scholar of Odia literature, best known

for three Odia books — Mahabharata, Vilanka Ramayana and Chandi Purana was born at

Kanakavati Patana, known as Kanakapura, one of the Sidhikshetras in Jagatsinghpurdistrict. As

an originator of Odia literature, his work has formed an enduring source of information for

succeeding generations.The District is also famous for having theatre groupswhich keep the old

tradition of live acting before a crowd. The groups have become the part of mainstream

entertainment for people all over Odisha. Parbati Gannatya, Benirampur opera, Gouri Gananatya,

Tulasi Gananatya, Durgashree Gananatya, Tarapur Opera and Trinath Gananatya are some of the

famous theatre groups of Jagatsinghpur district.

Folk culture of Jagatsinghpur district are

Chaiti Ghoda, Ghanta Patua, Medha Nacha, Jodi

Nagara, Women Pala, Kumar purnima Gita, Rama

Lila, Kendera Gita.

( Traditional song: Kendera Gita)

The festivals of Jagatsinghpur are

optimizing the cultural ethos of our rich heritage

and thrilling tradition. The Kalinga Baliyatra, the

Boitabandan utsav at Paradeep and Chelitola

awaken our glorious maritime invincibility of the

remote past. Dasahera, Ganesh Puja, Makar Mela,

Zilla Mahotsav, Book fair,embellishes the cultural

memory that is inherent in our local and Folk

culture.

(Kalinga Balijatra at Paradip)

JAJPUR

Once Jajpur District was a great centre of art and culture in ancient Odisha. This district

is declared as a heritage district ‘Biraja Khetra’ is one of the ancient cities of Odisha rich in

archaeological remains .It is reputed to be one of the important Tantra Khetras in the state. The

ancient monuments like Biraja Temple, Lord Baraha Temple, Daswasamedhaghat, Jagannath

Temple, Trilochaneswar Temple, Ratnagiri, and Udayagiri and so many other places of historical

importance add tourist attraction. Jaipur is also known as Navigaya. People all over the state and

neighboring state come here to offer SRADDHA on the Bank of River Baitarini.

A land of rich and diverse artistic achievement, Jajpur’s art and culture are the product of

a long historical process in which the spiritual, philosophical and the humane dimensions have

merged to yield the finest effects of culture and civilized life. The cultural heritage of Jajpur is

reflected in its vibrant Art forms

This District have beautiful Folk dance and art i.e. Mugal Tamasa, Kathi Pala, Kandhei

Nacha, Dasakathi, Women Pala, Jhipa nacha, Folk Opera. The district has village tradition of

painting, architectures, sculpture, and handicrafts. The Jajpur school of painting has three

streams such as Jhoti, Chita and Muruja.

(Kandhei nacha)

Coming to fasts and festivals, in the month of Margasira women folk worship the

Goddess Laxmi. It is the harvest season when grain is thrashed and stored. During this

auspicious occasion the mud walls and floors are decorated with murals in white rice paste.

These are called Jhoti or Chita and are drown not merely with the intention of decorating the

house, but to establish a relationship between the mystical and the material, and thus being

highly symbolical and meaningful. Folk painting in the tradition survives till today in all its

pristine freshness. Throughout the year the village woman perform several rituals for the

fulfillment of their desires.

Muruja is drawn on the floor with powders of different hues. white powder is obtained

from the grinding of stone. Green powder is obtained from dry leaves, black from burnt coconut

shells, yellow is obtained from petals of marigold flowers or turmeric and red from red clay or

bricks. Muruja is generally drown during rituals in the form of Mandala. In the holy month of

‘Kartika’ women observe, penance and draw muruja designs near the Tulasi Chaura

Odiya one of the oldest languages in the district and also the predominant language

spoken by the people. However 10 percent of the inhabitants speak Urdu and at least 9 to 10

percent communicate with some variations having Adivasi languages.

From time immemorial Jajpur has remained the epi- centre of cultural awakening.

Besides that the district has immense contribution to Odia literature. The prominent literary

figures of the state like Abimanyu Samanta Singhar, Manjula Krushna Prasad Basu, Braja

Sundar, Birupakshya Kar, dramatist Kamapal Mishra are son of the soil. Other prominent writer

include Upendra Tripathy(children’s literature),essayist Baikuntha Nath Rath, and fiction writer

Govind Das.

KENDRAPARA

Akshaya Tritiya is widely celebrated in Kendrapara District. Akshaya Tritiya is also

known as Akha Teej and it falls on the third lunar day of Shukla paksha of Vaishakha month.The

birth of Lord Parshuram the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is also celebrated on this day. On

this very day, Veda Vyas began to write the Mahabharta.

Kendrapara being an agrarian district , on this day farmers started sowing seeds with

much puja performing on the fields.Akshaya means immortal or something that is indestructible

and Tritaya means third lunar day. So anything that we do on Akshaya Tritiya grows with time

and cannot be destroyed. Hence it is recommended to begin auspicious things.

Chandan Jatra of Shri Shri Baldeb jew celebrated for 21 days in Kendrapara. To escape

from extreme heat Shri Jew move to the Chandan pond . Except Shri Shri Baldevjew , Chanadn

Yatra also celebrated in temples like Shri Baraha Jew at Aul, Shri Dadhibaman Jew at Demal ,

Shri Baladeb jew at Righagarh , Shri Shri Madam Mohan Jew at Nikirai Matha and Shri Shri

Dadhibaman Jew at Asureswar.

Jyesta Purnima is known as ‘Debasnan Purnima’ . This festival is celebrated at Shri

Baldevjew Temple and also other temples in the district. Shri Deities come to the ‘Snan Madap’

in ‘Pahandi’ . Sacred water of 108 pots used for bathing of the Deities on this day. At night Shri

Mahaprabhu returned to the ‘Anasar Home’.

Jhulan jatra is celebrated in the month of ‘Bhadra”. This festival is celebrated in almost

all temples of kendrapara District. Except Shri BaldebJew , Jhulan jatra celebrated at Aul ,Shri

Gopal Jew Temple is famous in the state. This festival is celebrated from the year 1660 by the

King of Aul Shri Nilakantha Deb. Jhulan jatra is celebrated for six days in Shri Baldevjew

Temple and for ten days at Aul.

Ratha jatra festival celebrated on ‘Asadha Sukla Dwitiya’ is the mass festival of Odisha.

Based on the world famous car festival at Puri , Ratha Jatra of Shri Baldeb jew also celebrated at

Kendrapara for 9 days. People from all ways of life participated in this festival with much

enthusiasm. ‘Brahma Taladhwaja ” is the name the Ratha and it is worlds highest Ratha. The

height of ‘Brahma Taladhwaja ‘ is 65 feet and 1123 pieces of wood used for this Ratha.

After Ratha jatra , Gajalaxmi Puja is the

second mass festival celebrated by the people

of Kendrapara. GajaLaxmi Puja was started in

the 1922-23 in Kendrapara. On the arrival of

‘Badababaji ‘ Shri Shri Radharaman Deb to

Kendrapara this festival was first celebrated in

front of ‘Bada Kotha’. Gaja Laxmi Puja was

first started in present Kendrapara in 1928 at

Old Bust Stand. From that day Gaja Laxmi

Puja being celebrated for 9 decades in

Kendrapara. Starting from ‘Kumar Purnima’

this festival is celebrated for 7 days. Lakhs of

people used to participate in this festival ,

which is concluded on Immersion celebration.

(Gajalaxmi Puja at Kendrapara)

Dola jatra is celebrated as ” Panchu Dola” in Kendrapara. Holi festival is celebrated after

5 days from Dola Purnima.

This festival is celebrated at village ‘Olakana’ situated at the extreme end of Derabish

Block. ‘Olakana Melana’ was started by King of Aul Nilakantha Deb and was made famous by

Brajasundar Deb. More that 150 Bimans from different temples , Maths, gathered here at the

melana ground. Main attraction at the “Melana’ is Shri Shri Bhadeswar Mahadeb of Mahanga.

Olakana Mela is celebrated on 14th full moon day.

KHORDHA

The population of Khurda consists mostly of Oriya & Telugu speaking people. Others

like Muslims, Marwaris, Gujuratis, and Bengalis are also present in good numbers. There are a

number of Temples, Masjids & Churches present here. This District is also the home of highest

number of Anglo Indian people in Odisha. Khurda District is famous for its celebrations of the

Ganesh Chaturthi festival (in Jatni), Khurda Mohotsav (in Khurda Town) and Laxmi Puja. Eid ul

Fitr & Christmas are also celebrated here with much gaiety, as also the other major Hindu

festivals like Diwali and Holi. The firecracker shops in Jatani are very famous, drawing a large

number of buyers from nearby places like Puri, Cuttack, etc. during Diwali. Padanpur is a village

also famous for its crackers. Several weeklong festivals for the goddess Bhgabati Devi are

celebrated here.

On the last day of the festival, a procession is

carried out in public, followed by a carnival

depicting stories from Hindu mythologies like

Ramayana, Mahabharata etc.Each community

observes its festivals and also indulges in other

communities celebrations, thus building

communal harmony. Kaipadar is a religious

place to which people of all faiths visit for

divine blessings. Paika Nrutya dance of this

District is a form of battle dance practiced with

great enthusiasm by different groups in the

villages during Dussera. The word Paika is

derived from the Sanskrit word Padatika,

literallys meaning infantry. This dance is more

like a clarion call urging the dancers to get

ready for a fiery battle ahead.Dholak, nagara,

shehnai and dhak drums are the musical

(Paika Dance)

instruments which accompanies this dance. (Gotipua Dance)

MAYURBHANJ

The district has many tribal cultures like Santali culture, Ho dance and Mage Porob of Ho

tribe and bhumij cultures. According to 2011 Census 83.86 % people are Hindus, 1.34 % are

Muslims, 0.60 % are Christians, 0.03 % are Sikhs. Hinduism being the most followed religion

there are many temples found in the district some of which have ancient connections.

Culture is deep rooted in the lives of the people of Mayurbhanj District. The vibrancy and

richness of the cultural heritage of this District, undoubtedly, makes Mayurbhanj one of the most

noteworthy places on the map of Odisha. Makar Parva and Karama Parva are the two well

known festivals of Mayurbhanj District which are celebrated with great pomp and show.

Mayurbhanj District unfolds an enormous panorama of nature`s beauty. In the midst of the

surroundings evolved a beautiful yet virile dance form, known as the famous Chhau dance. This

dance form has gained worldwide fame and recognition. It is noted for its beauty, vigour and

marvel of the art. Jhumar, the popular traditional folk song, is inextricably interlinked with

Mayurbhanj District. These songs depict the thought of the populace festivities, marriages other

social functions, sorrows and happiness.

Amid the surroundings evolved a beautiful yet virile dance form, known as famous

CHHAU DANCE. The Chhau performers of Purulia use Mask while dancing and that mask is

told as “Chhau”. In Mayurbhanj, verities of folk dance are available, i.e. Jhumair,Chhau dance,

Kathi Nacha,Santali DanceWomen Pala,Sakhi Nacha,Tuila dance,Kharia Dance,Karma.

(Chhau Dance)

The prevalence of Jhumar dates back to 18th century . A Nachuni group was introduced

which consisted of eight to ten people, including one Rasika (the leader of the group) one

Nachuni and instrument players for FLUTE, HARMONIUM, DHOL, CHAD-CHADI,

MAADAL, MAHURI etc. 18th century downwards Raja (King), Maharaja (Emperor), Zamindar

(Land Lord) noticed Jhumar and they became so charmed by the language, sweet tunes and

dance that they could not but patronize it which helped remove the financial constraint of

Nachuni Groups which further paved its way to earn recognition in upper level of society. There

are two types of dances in Jhumar dance. When a single lady dances, it is called ‘NACHUNI’

and when dance is performed in a group it is called ‘PANTA DANCE’. Jhumar songs are tune

based. Its main element is tune, that means SWARA PRADHAN and its rhythm is typical of its

own. Lyrics are descriptive mainly of Radha Krishna’s love.

(Jhumar Dance)

Lord Jagannath is worshipped as Shri Shri Haribaldev Mahaprabhu at Baripada. Car

festival is celebrated on the day after the day on which Car festival is celebrated at Puri. The

three deities come to the Radhamohan Temple (Mausimaa Mandir) during car festival which

lasts for two days. The speciality of the Baripada Car festival is that only ladies can pull the

chariot of Maa Subhadra.

Santal is the largest tribes of the district scattered all over Mayurbhanj. Their main

occupation is agriculture and agricultural labourer. They are very conscious about their identity

and culture. The Kolha tribes has their own tribal dialect which is used to converse with the

people of this community.

(Santal Dance)

Nayagarh

The culture of Nayagarh is a composite culture of heterogeneous faith, with the presence

of a good number of Semitic and Islamic followers. The aboriginal ‘Savaras’ and Kandhas are

the indigenous people of Nayagarh District. The Aryans came later. The Brahmins are mostly the

outsiders, invited by the Khatriya rulers to be engaged as priests in the temples and for other holy

rites. The archeological remains with their inscriptions, temples, churches, mosques, forts, folk

dances, art, sculptures, handicrafts and festivals of this district displays its rich cultural heritage.

The Somanth Temple complex at Govindpur near Nayagarh has also stone inscriptions.

The right side entrance door of Kaunri Thakurani and the front entrance door (inner side)

of Beleswar Mahadev, have two inscriptions which are yet to be deciphered. Another inscription

is found on the foot–post of Goddess Sita in Raghunath Temple at Odagaon that reads

“Shakabda Saramangalya Rutusya Odanayak”.

Buddhist shrine at Anala Patta, Nilamadhaba Temple at Kantilo, Raghunath and

Jagannath Temples throughout the District and other Vaishnavite, Shaiva and Shakta shrines are

also the symbols of the art and culture of the District. Also are present many forts and buildings

in this District that symbolizes its rich art and cultural heritage. The important folk dances of this

District are Ghantakalasa (Similisahi, Nayagarh), Danda Nrutya (Itamati), Dhena Koila

(Similisahi), Khanjani (Balugaon), Singi Baza (Daspalla), Dhumpa (Khandapara), Ghuduki

(Ranapur), Dholamahuri (Lathipada), Paika Akhada (Lathipada, Olasa), Adivasi–Nritya

(Banigochha) and Janu–Ghanta. Kantilo is famous for its brass works.

It is to mention here that, Millennium Talent Cup, the first of this kind in the world has the

distinction of becoming the world’s tallest cup and was made by the Kansaries of Kantilo for

Odisha Institute of Educational Research, Bhubaneswar. Kantilo is also famous for brass works.

(Daskatia Palla)

Odagaon is famous for stone sculptures. It may be noted here that all most all the temple

architects of Odisha hail from Odagaon. Govind Chandra Sur Deo of Nayagarh was an eminent

mural painter. All the mural and wall paintings in the temple of Lord Jagannath at Nayagarh is

his works. Khandapara is famous for jute handicrafts and Situlia communities of Gania are

eminent sculptors of Terracotta. Ravanapodi at Daspalla, festival of Dakhinakali at Nayagarh,

Shivaratri of Ladukeswar at Saranakul, Sriram Navamai at Odagaon, Pana Sanakranti, , Kantilo

Mela and Car Festival at Nayagarh, Khandapara, Daspalla and Ranpur are the important festivals

celebrated in this District. It needs special mention here that the Chariots of Lord Jagannath,

Balabhadra and Subhadra of Ranpur are 2nd in height only next to the Chariots of Puri Car

Festival.

Puri

Cultural activities, including the annual religious festivals, in Puri are: The Puri Beach

Festival held from 5 to 9 November every year, and the Shreekshetra Utsav held from 20

December to 2 January every year. The cultural programmes include unique sand art, display of

local and traditional handicrafts and food festival. In addition, cultural programmes are held for

two hours on every second Saturday of the month at the district Collector's Conference Hall near

Sea Beach Police Station. Odissi dance, Odissi music and folk dances are part of this event.

Odissi dance is the cultural heritage of Puri. This dance form originated in Puri from the dances

performed by Devadasis (Maharis) attached to the Jagannatha Temple who performed dances in

the Nata mandapa of the temple to please the deities. Though the devadasi practice has been

discontinued, the dance form has become modern and classical and is widely popular; many of

the Odissi virtuoso artists and gurus (teachers) are from Puri.[88] Some of the notable Odissi

dancers are Kelucharan Mohapatra, Mayadhar Raut, Sonal Mansingh, and Sanjukta Panigrahi.

Puri is one of the fascinating littoral districts of Odisha. The cultural heritage of Puri with

its long recorded history beginning from the third century B.C., The monuments and religious

sanctity, way of life of the people with their rich tradition possess emphatically to be the cultural

heart of Odisha. Puri is considered to be a cultural capital of Odisha.

The district has a conglomeration of different religions, sects and faiths in course of its

history. Majority of the people are Hindus. The other important communities are Muslims, Sikhs,

Jains, Christians and indigenous groups are found in the district. The Hindu monuments of

various sectors like Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Sakti cult, Ganapatya, Mahabir etc. are found.

Similarly Muslim Mosques, Christian Churches are also noticed here.

It is said that 13 festivals are celebrated in calendar year relating to Lord Jagannath. Some

important festivals related of Lord Jagannath. Some of them are Car Festival (Ratha Yatra),

Chandan Yatra, Sitala Sasthi, Gosani Yatra, Dasahara, Sahi Yatra for seven days from Rama

Navami, Konark festival, Puri Beach Festival, Sri Ksetra Mohotsav, Gundicha Utsav.

(Ratha Yatra)

The famous Nata mandiras,

beautifully embellished with figures in

various poses of dance and musicians

handling a variety of instruments are

witness to this integral role in temple life.

The devadashis were used to dance for

Jagannath with the songs from

Jayadev's Gita Govinda. After the

abolition of the devadasi system, Odissi

dance became the most developed

classical dance form of the state.

Padmashri Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra

is a legend of the particular dance form.

(Odissi Dance)

Orissi music, own its origin from Puri.

It is a separate form of song with its

own importance and is quite different

from Hindusthani and Karnataki music.

Limb linking service of the Lord Jagannath,

Who is very much fond of music and song is

the action and pride of Mahari tradition.

Mahari tradition of the Sri Mandira is the

Parijata flower of art and history of Utkal. It

also enlightened the national culture by its

fragrance and the touch. It has made the art of

Utkal glorious. Mahari tradition is the same

and one union of Lord Jagannath and Nari

Mahari. Mahari Dance coming from the Nata

temple of the temple has reached and extended

to the stage and shastriya Odissi dance.

(Mahari Dance)

Gotipua is a fascinating folk dance of Puri

Where boys below 14 years clad in female

dress dance to the tune at the music. The

acrobatic poses attached to the dance enthralls

the audience. This dance is becoming very

popular. The Gotipua team of Raghurajpur has

earned much reputation.

(Gotipua Dance)

Here the dancer put a mask on his head and dance to the rhythm of the music. The medhas of

Ravan, Trisira, Navasira etc. and Naga dance one very popular in Puri towns. During Rama

Navami days this dance is enacted at the streets of Puri town for seven days.

Ghoda nacha, Dhuduki Nacha, Jatra, Pala, Daskathia, Bhalu Nacha, Mankada Nacha and

Navrang are some other folk dances prevalent in the district.

As on 26.11.2019

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