Makar Sankranti is celebrated as per the Hindu calendar month of Magha. This festival is celebrated for innumerable reasons depending on various climate, agricultural environment, cultural background and location. Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into Capricorn on…
The district of Bargarh with picturesque mountain, perennial streams and falls and vast array of green forests offer some of the best tourists’ attractions. It is not only a land of glorious historical sites and superb natural beauties but also…
The festival organised by the Mayurbhanj Cultural Association celebrates the district’s culture and heritage. Some of the highlights include chhau and jhumur performances and a handicrafts exhibition showcasing some of the local art forms such as stone carvings, dokra and…
In 1810, Robert Southey, a somewhat effeminate-looking British poet laureate who belonged to the Romantic school, wrote a poem calledThe Curse of Kehama. In it, he talked about an Indian practice that appalled him. “A thousand pilgrims strain,” he…
I am going to Puri to write about Maha Bhog—the pinnacle of all prasadams; the lord’s food, which will be served to his devotees with his blessings. It is kind of a futile exercise really, because I will not be…
The origin of the Jagannath idol is the subject of many tales. My favourite comes from Sarala Dasa, the 15th century Odia poet who wrote his version of the Mahabharata. In it, he imagines Krishna’s death. The actual way…
Annual cultural festival of Koraput district “Parab” would begin on January 2. It showcases the best of tribal art and culture. The 3-day state-level festival will held be at the Koraput stadium ground from January 2 to 4. It is a platform for local tribal artists…
Tata Steel is organising a six-day Tata Steel Odisha Utsav 2016 in bhubaneswar from January 5 to celebrate and promote the uniqueness of the Odia culture, art, literature and sports. The event offers a series of consecutive events comprising Art-in-Industry Camp,…
Bargarh town in western Odisha is agog with excitement ahead of the 11-day-long reign of demon king Kansa as Makar Sankranti festival ushers in the world’s biggest open air theatre ‘Dhanu Yatra’. By January 14, the day Makar Sankranti is…
On Christmas eve, noted sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a 45-feet-high sand Santa Claus with a “World Peace” message at Puri beach here today. Sudarsan used more than 1000 tonnes of sand with some coloured sand in creating Santa.…