Festivals of Odisha
Odisha is a coastal state located in Eastern India. It is known for the several historic temples located across various its regions and the tribal culture. Durga Pooja is the most popular festival of Orissa which is celebrated all over the state. It is celebrated in the month of Ashwin or Kartik which falls in September or October. The streets are lighted up and Pandals are decorated with large Durga deities, food, and other festivities. The huge idols of Durga Maa along with two other avatars of her, Maa Laxmi and Maa Saraswati are kept in these Pandals for nine days. On the tenth day of Vijaydashmi, all of these idols are immersed in water bodies.
Another major festival associated with this state is the Chandan Yatra which is the longest festival in India. It is celebrated for 42 long days in the Jaganath Temple of Odisha. The deities of the temple are taken out of the temple for a holy patron in water in the traditional boats. The Konark dance festival is the celebration of the sun temple in Konark and the Odissi folk dance. Other Oriya festivals include Mahabisuva Sakranti, Raja Parba, Rath Yatra, Magha Saptami, and many other celebrations.
Dates of festivals that follow the lunar calendar can shift by a day depending on the moon and on official notifications. Please confirm with your state government or employer before planning.