Fairs, Festivals, and Cuisines of Odisha

Odisha, a culturally rich state, is known for its vibrant fairs, festivals, and unique cuisines. Festivals like Jagannath Puri Ratha Yatra and Durga Puja are celebrated with grandeur, and various fairs showcase the state’s cultural heritage. This compilation covers the prominent fairs, festivals, and culinary practices that highlight Odisha’s unique traditions.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify key fairs celebrated in Odisha, their significance, and customs.
2. Understand the various traditional festivals of Odisha and their association with local culture.
3. Gain insight into the famous cuisines of Odisha, their ingredients, and preparation styles.
4. Learn about tribal festivals unique to Odisha and their customs.
5. Comprehend how Odisha’s cultural practices interweave with religious beliefs.

Fairs of Odisha

Fairs in Odisha, commonly known as melas, are joyous celebrations with or without a religious undertone, forming a crucial part of its cultural tapestry.

Major Fairs

1. Chandrabhaga Mela (January-February): Held on the seventh day of the bright fortnight in Magha month, this fair takes place near the Chandrabhaga river by the Konark temple in Puri district. It commemorates the mythological tale of Samba, son of Lord Krishna, who meditated to the Sun God at the river for 12 years to cure his leprosy.
2. Taratarini Mela (March-April): One of the largest fairs in Odisha, celebrated every Tuesday in Chaitra month at the Taratarini Temple, 30 km from Berhampur in Ganjam district. The grandest gathering happens on the third Tuesday of Chaitra.
3. Dandanata (April-May): Celebrated in Vaisakh month, it represents a combination of dance, songs, and the pole representing Lord Shiva. In the danda party, 13 devotees, known as Bhokta, perform austerities, including walking on fire and other physical trials, while visiting houses in the Ganjam district.
4. Chandan Jatra (May-June): Occurs in the month of Jyestha, mainly in Puri district, lasting for 21 days. A smaller statue of Lord Jagannath is covered in sandalwood paste and taken to a sacred tank for a bath to provide coolness during summer.

Note: Fairs like Dandanata involve austere practices symbolizing devotion, showcasing Odisha’s blend of spirituality and cultural performance.

Festivals of Odisha

Festivals in Odisha are imbued with religious significance and cultural vibrancy, reflecting the state’s customs and traditional practices.

Prominent Festivals by Month

1. January-February:

• Makar Sankranti: Marks the Sun’s entry into Capricorn and falls post-paddy harvest. Best observed in places like Kalijai, Atri, Keonjhar, and Balasore.
• Joranda Mela: A major fair of the Mahima religion Sadhus, held in Magha Purnima at Joranda, Dhenkanal. Includes offerings at various Mahima shrines and a yagya at the holy pyre.

1. March-April:

• Dola Purnima/Holi: Held on the full moon day, celebrating Lord Jagannath and Lord Krishna with a display of wooden temples called Veemanas.
• Ashokashtami Festival: Known as the Rath Jatra of Lord Lingaraj, observed in Bhubaneswar, involving a ceremonial chariot journey to Rameswar Temple.

1. April-May:

• Chandan Yatra: A 42-day festival related to Lord Jagannath’s temple in Puri. Celebrated in two parts: Bahara Chandan and Bhitara Chandan.

1. May-June:

• Sitalsasthi: A marriage festival of Lord Shiva and Parvati, primarily celebrated by Utkal Brahmins in Sambalpur.
• Snana Yatra: Bathing festival of Lord Jagannath held on the Purnima of Jyestha month, marking his birthday.

1. June-July:

• Ratha Yatra: Grandest festival in Odisha, marking the journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra to Gundicha Mandir. The main chariot of Lord Jagannath stands at 14 meters high with 16 wheels.

Important Note: The Ratha Yatra of Puri involves elaborate preparations including the construction of massive chariots adorned with fabric and intricate motifs, pulling in millions of devotees from around the world.

6. July-August:

• Gamha Purnima: A festival for agriculturists where cattle and Baladeva are worshipped. Also known as Baladeva Jayanti in certain regions.

6. September-October:

• Kumar Purnima: Celebrated in Dhenkanal district, marking the birth of Kartikeya, the God of War. Unmarried girls worship the Sun and Moon wishing for a suitable spouse.

6. October-November:

• Diwali: Known as the Festival of Lights, celebrated with traditional rituals like burning jute stems to light the path for ancestral spirits.

6. December:

• Konark Dance Festival: Held at the Konark temple showcasing classical dance performances, organized in association with the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre.

Tribal Festivals

Odisha boasts a diverse tribal population, each with distinct festivals that encapsulate their traditions.

1. Adivasi Mela: Celebrated in January-February for 15 days in Bhubaneswar, where tribal groups showcase their culture, music, and crafts.
2. Bija Pandu/Chaitra Parva: Observed in March-April by the Koya tribe in Koraput, worshipping the Earth with liquor offerings and animal sacrifices.
3. Karma Festival: Held in August-September, focusing on the Karam deity with branch worship and rituals to ensure prosperity.
4. Kedu Festival: A major event of the Kondh tribes in Phulbani, involving buffalo sacrifice as a prayer for a good harvest.

Note: Tribal festivals like Karma and Kedu are vital to understanding the tribal customs interwoven with Odisha’s cultural fabric.

Odisha’s Cuisines

Odisha’s cuisine is characterized by rice, mustard oil, and an array of traditional sweets. Meals often comprise rice, chapati, dal, bharta, and ambika (sweet and sour dishes). Desserts hold special importance, and fish is a staple due to Odisha’s coastal geography.

Traditional Dishes

1. Dalma: A classic preparation combining vegetables and lentils, often served as the main course.
2. Kanika Rice: A sweetened rice offering in Lord Jagannath’s Chappan Bhog.
3. Pakhal: Fermented rice soaked overnight, ideal for summer consumption.
4. Chhenapoda and Rasabali: Famous desserts, the former a cheese-based cake and the latter a milk preparation.
5. Salepur Rasgulla: A popular sweet with origins in Odisha.

Concept: Meals are traditionally served on bell metal plates, highlighting the cultural emphasis on simplicity and natural elements in culinary practices.

Comparative Table of Festivals

Additional Noteworthy Festivals

1. Durga Puja (September-October): Celebrated in Cuttack with great fervor, worshipping Goddess Durga.
2. Puri Beach Festival (November): A blend of classical and folk dances, cultural exhibitions, and sports events.
3. Nabakalebara: A periodic festival marking the reincarnation of Lord Jagannath, observed when there are two Ashadha months in a year.

Note: Nabakalebara involves a complex ritual of transferring the Brahma (soul) from old to new idols, highlighting the profound spiritual beliefs of Odisha.

MCQ to Test

Knowledge

Which festival in Odisha marks the journey of Lord Jagannath to the Gundicha Mandir?

1. Chandan Jatra
2. Ratha Yatra
3. Dola Purnima
4. Nabakalebara

Answer: 2. Ratha Yatra.