Of all the regional
cultures, Odisha or the ancient Kalinga played a very conspicuous and vital
role in the cultural matrix of Indian civilization. Situated on the eastern
coast of India,it imbibed the quintessence of cultural traditions of both
Northern India and southern india. Orissa is a land of excellence in art, a
treasure trove of exquisite handicraft and traditional art forms, a rich legacy
of an ancient culture. Evolved slowly and gradually through efforts of
generations, Orissan culture has retained seasoned traditional values along
with the freshness and charm of their own. Legends lace Orissa. Temples dot its
land,her street Gods walk among men. Famous for the beauty and craftsmanship of
Konark, Jagannath, Lingaraj and innumerable other temples, Orissa is a striking
selection of decorative and utilitarian arts and crafts.
Rath
Yatra
My
first glimpse of the grand festival of Orissa, Ratha Yatra or the Chariot
Festival at Puri is still vivid in my mind with all its religious grandeur at
Puri, the seashore town in Orissa. The presiding deities Lord Jagannatha, Lord
Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, with the celestial wheel Sudarshana being
taken out from the temple in an elaborate ritual procession, called Pahandi and
seated on three colorfully decorated huge chariots, which are then drawn by
hundreds and thousands of devotees on the bada danda, the grand road to the
Gundicha temple, some three kilometers away to the North. For the devoted and
believers, it is considered the most auspicious occasion. A glimpse of Lord
Jagannatha on the chariot is considered to be very auspicious and saints, poets
and scriptures have repeatedly glorified the sanctity of this special festival.
Even a touch of the chariot or even the ropes with which these are pulled is
enough to confer the results of several pious deeds or penance for ages.
The cultural heritage of Orissa beautifully comes out in the form of its
awesome handicraft items and amazing folk performances.
Another
major part of the cultural heritage of Orissa is its delicious cuisine. When it
comes to cooking, Orissa has a distinctive style. The main course consists of
rice and dal, along with different kinds of curries. Rice is used in almost
every dish. During festival season, sun-dried rice is used for cooking
purposes. Non-vegetarian food also makes a very important part of the diet of
Oriya people. Rice, both sun dried and par-boiled, is the staple food of the
people of Orissa. However, in the urban areas, there is a shift in the eating
patterns and people are turning towards chapati eat bread), as an alternative
to rice. Orissa is known for its sweet dishes like
chenapoda,rasgulla,chenarabdi,
The
reservoir of the handicrafts of Orissa is very large, consisting of numerous
items. One of the basic reasons for the existence of such a wide variety of
arts and crafts in the state is that it has witnessed the rule of many rulers.
When
the talk is about the folk performances of India, Oriya dances truly deserve a
special mention. Orissa has a rich cultural heritage in terms of music and
dance.
Orissa
is regarded as one of the musical centers of South India, that boasts of
traveling bards as a part of its heritage.
Orissa
is one of the most beautiful states of India, which is full of mesmerizing
natural beauty. The people of this state are very hospitable and welcome the
guests with open arms.
Orissa
is known for its respect and mutual tolerance towards other religions. It is
owing to this fact that, the culture of Odissi people reflects some aspects of
all the major religions of India, like Islam, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism,
Vaisnavism, and Saivism etc.
Orissa
has a chequered history of successive rules of different dynasties and
assimilation . The very stones speak of the unique history of the nation. The
sacred environs of Puri Jagannath temple, the beauty of Konark's Sun temple,
the wondrous Jain monuments of caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, the mystical
monasteries of Buddhism, the paintings and folklore of the handloom weaver's
magic speak eloquently of a living past a continuing present as a gift for the
prospective future.
The
island of Orissa culture existing in Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh gives us an
opportunity to experience the glory of its uniqueness with limitless expression
of its message of boundle and universal love.
