-Satyakam Ray

Few people know that Odisha was formerly called Utkal. Utkal means excellence in the Arts. Utkal, also known as Odisha, is a land that embodies intricate Art, refined culture, and tradition on the international stage.

The Rath Yatra and Jagannath culture are renowned worldwide. Thanks to the Odia communities living abroad, more foreigners and Indians are becoming aware of the great Jagannath culture. These non-resident Odias have become great ambassadors of the Odia culture.

Odishi Dance—Odisha’s classical dance is a gift to the arts and culture of the world. Its great heritage resides in the heart of Odisha. Many stalwarts, including Sanjukta Panigrahi, Kelucharan Mohapatra, Sujata Mohapatra, and Madhumita Raut, have brought Odishi dance to the world stage. Many renowned international Odishi and Gotipua dancers have also played a significant role in elevating Odisha’s reputation. New-age sensation Saswat Joshi is making headlines worldwide.

We have a saying in Odia,” bara masa tera parba. That means we celebrate 13 festivals in 12 months. Barring the literal meaning of the quote, many festivals are celebrated yearly in Odisha. The rich Jagannath culture is characterized by numerous rituals and traditions that must be observed without fail. Other pujas and festivals are also held to commemorate many odia events. The Nuakhai of Western Odisha, Pana Jatra, and Ganga Purnima are among the festivals celebrated on our list. The Raja festival is celebrated for three days, primarily among girls, and is a unique Odia tradition. The usual Durga Puja, Ganesh Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Saraswati Puja, and Bishwakarma Puja are events in the Odia calendar and excellent occasions for refreshments and gatherings for people of all social groups.

The famous Pattachitra of Raghurajpur, Pipli Chandua, the Tarakasi work of Cuttack, and the Sambalpuri Pata Matha exemplify the excellence of Odia art and culture. Not only are these artworks famous here in Odisha, but they are also exported to other countries. The Khadi Nigam also plays a significant role in exporting good artwork to other nations.

Odisha, the land of temples, is famous for its Odisha-style architecture. The Black Pagoda, known as the Konark Sun Temple, is internationally recognized for its intricately carved stone walls and chariots. The other noteworthy temples are located mainly in BBSR and a few other districts. These temples tell the story of exceptional Odia craftsmanship and the generous patronage of benevolent, art-loving kings.

Odisha’s Art and culture play a significant role in attracting foreign tourists to the state. The local people, non-residents, and the government should pay sufficient attention to promoting Odisha’s cultural aspects to a broader audience through all necessary means.

– Jai Jagannath, Vande Utkal Janani