odisha cultural tours

Odisha Cultural Tours:

The culture of Odisha, a state located on the eastern coast of India, is rich and diverse, shaped by its history, geography, and the blend of various cultural influences over centuries. Here are some key aspects of Odisha’s culture:

Art and Handicrafts: Odisha is renowned for its intricate handicrafts, including Pattachitra (traditional cloth-based scroll painting), silver filigree work, stone and wood carving, and appliqué work (known as Chandua). These crafts often depict themes from Hindu mythology and are highly valued for their craftsmanship.

Dance and Music: Odissi, one of the classical dance forms of India, originated in Odisha. It is known for its graceful movements, expressions, and use of symbolic gestures. Odisha also has a rich tradition of folk dances such as Gotipua, Sambalpuri, and Chhau, each with its unique style and significance. Music in Odisha encompasses classical forms like Odissi music, as well as vibrant folk traditions.

Festivals: Festivals play a significant role in Odisha’s cultural life. The Rath Yatra in Puri, where deities are carried in chariots, is one of the most famous festivals in India. Other major festivals include Durga Puja, Diwali, and various local celebrations that highlight Odisha’s religious and cultural diversity.

Cuisine: Odia cuisine is flavorful and varied, influenced by its coastal location and agricultural abundance. Rice is a staple, and seafood dishes are particularly popular along the coast. Traditional sweets like Rasagola and Chhena Poda are famous not just in India but internationally as well.

Architecture: Temples in Odisha exhibit unique architectural styles, notably the Kalinga architecture seen in the temples of Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark. The Sun Temple at Konark is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Odishan architecture.

Language and Literature: The Odia language, one of the classical languages of India, has a rich literary tradition dating back centuries. Poets like Jayadeva, who wrote the Gita Govinda, have left a lasting impact on Indian literature.

Cultural Heritage Sites: Besides temples, Odisha is home to archaeological sites like the Buddhist complexes at Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri, showcasing its historical connections with Buddhism.

Overall, Odisha’s culture is characterized by its artistic traditions, vibrant festivals, deep-rooted spirituality, and a strong sense of community that reflects its ancient heritage and dynamic present.

Come with The Dove on a journey to the fascinating state of Orissa -Land of Myths & Legends, Exotic and Unexplored, washed by the depth of the Bay of Bengal, cradled by the Eastern Ghats. See the land of an exciting blend of aesthetics and religion.Witness rural craftsmen and artists carving traditional stone and wood sculptures, etching palm leaves with intricate sacred designs, painting elaborate canvases with scenes from the ancient Indian epics.

See artisans hammering brass vessels or casting images in bronze, potters making eggshell-thin vessels, or sculpting figurines in clay.Meet the real people of Orissa and savor their hospitality; even eat a delicious meal prepared carefully and safely in a traditional home.
Learn about the thoughts, beliefs and hopes of the people. Visit their shrines and temples and experience their rituals and ceremonies. Complement your village adventures with the tours of the beautiful monuments and the temples of Puri, Bhubaneswar and Konark.

This triangle contains some of India’s most beautiful temples ranging from monolithic cave temples of 2nd century BC to carved fantasies in stone of Bhubaneswar and Puri (7th -13th century temples).See the sun temple of Konark and its famous erotic sculptures. This World Heritage Site was built in the 13th century, in the golden era of Orissa art.

From the temple itself we can trace the emergence of Orissa history and sculpture. Every exquisite sculpture here has its own meaning.Come to the city of temples, Bhubaneswar where as many as 1000 temples existed at one point of time .

Many of these are still intact and they record the Kalinga Style of architecture from inception to maturity. Visit the Santi Stupa – the hallowed site of the famous Kalinga war which once turned the river Daya, red with the blood of Oriya soldiers and finally made the emperor Ashoka embraces Buddhism the Ashokan rock edicts immortalizing the historical events. Also find the Jain monasteries on the twin caves of Chandragiri and Udayagiri. Puri, the spiritual capital of Orissa, revolves around the daily life Lord Jagannath -Literally, ” The Lord of the Universe”. Spirituality here is tangible – palpable. The Car festival (Ratha Jatra) in June/July provides first hand experience of the rapture involved in the Jagannath cult. Let the DOVE make your Odisha cultural tours tour a lifetime experience.