Let’s take a look at what you can shop from Odisha. Also, learn about its culture and festivals.
There are plenty of vibrant festivals in every part of our beloved India. And it is true for the state of Odisha too. The state of Odisha in the Indian subcontinent is widely popular for its intricate and beautiful temples, tribal customs, magnificent beaches, fertile river valleys, striking waterfalls, gorgeous lakes, and lively wildlife sanctuaries.
This state surprisingly combines antiquity and abundance. Hence, in the state of Odisha, the festival is celebrated with great zeal and traditional enthusiasm. Odisha participates in almost all festivals in the country. The festivals celebrated in Odisha symbolize the strong and overall cultural heritage of our nation.
The various communities of the Indian subcontinent celebrate forty festivals with full communal harmony. Odisha festivals are the best way to understand the multicolored culture of India. Festivals with all their shades and ceremonies also amalgamate together to give a true reflection of this state, which is very eclectic in its own way.
Here is the list of festivals celebrated in Orissa that this coastal state is famous for:
1. Durga Puja
Durga Puja is the most significant festival in Odisha. It is celebrated majestically throughout the state in the month of Ashwin or Karthik, (September or October according to the English calendar). The streets are illuminated and pandals are put up on almost every corner.
The huge sacred idols of Durga Maa along with two other incarnations of Maa Lakshmi and Maa Saraswati are decorated in these pandals. Goddess Durga is worshiped with mantras to make the grand festival of this festival religious. Durga Puja is celebrated for three to four days in Orissa and holds an important significance for Hindu devotees.
2. Rath Yatra
Rath Yatra is also known as Kar Mahotsav, it is another fascinating festival celebrated in the wonderful state. This festival is celebrated in the month of June. The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, who is considered an avatar of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. This festival represents the journey of Lord Krishna from Gokul to Mathura. Chariots of deities like Krishna, Balarama, and Subhadra are included in the yatra. The majestic and decorated chariots are transported from the famous Jagannath temple to his maternal uncle’s temple at Gundicha as a visit to Lord Jagannath and his siblings Subhadra and Balarama.
They stay here for ten days and then return with the same amount to the Jagannath temple and show it in ceremonial processions. Thousands of devotees join the procession to pull the chariot. It is believed that by pulling the chariot one gets rid of all sins and this leads to your virtue and salvation. The people of Orissa actively participate in the Rath Yatra. People have always been associated with this traditional festival of Odisha, so old that in the olden times, devotees used to jump to death in front of the chariot, the belief that dying under Lord Jagannath’s chariot would send them to heaven.
3. Raja Parba
Raja Parba is a four-day-long festival celebrated throughout the state of Odisha. The festival is celebrated to bring prosperity to agricultural areas and celebrate womanhood. The festival is dedicated to Basu-Mata, the earth goddess. During this festival, people stop all agricultural activities in recognition of allowing the goddess to rest. It is believed that the goddess goes through her menstrual cycle during this period, and to honor the womanhood of Mother Earth, all activities such as cutting, chopping, cultivating, that hurt nature is stopped. This festival is celebrated in June or July.
Shopping | Things to buy from Odisha
Stone Sculptures
The art of sculpting a stone into a beautiful image comes from Odisha. This years-old artform still lives on the streets of the state where skilled craftsmen can be seen carving stones with delicate details and undivided attention. These gorgeous statues are used in interior decorations. People of Odisha are so rooted in their culture that even in this age of technology, they manage to carve the sculptures with their bare hands and simple tools. This is what makes it unique and majestic. You can find stone sculptures of Hindu Gods, Goddesses, Lord Buddha, and many more. If you happen to visit this culturally rich state, you can even order a sculpture and have it made according to your specifications. As for now, you can purchase this beautiful hand-carved dancing Ganesha statue from Odisha.
Filigree Work
Filigree work is very delicate silver work done in Odisha. You can find gorgeous jewelry or boxes with Filigree work. This work is so fine and delicate, that the material feels like threads of silver. They make a perfect present for your loved ones. Traditional art combined with exquisite jewelry is the best combination of elegance. Buy this silver Filigree dangle and drop earring for Women and wear them to any occasion. Your conversations would start with people asking you where you got these earrings from!
Dhokra Work Home Decor
This is the most sought-after interior decoration item in Odisha by foreign tourists. This metal ware is traditionally hand-made with distinctive metals. You can find small statues of gods, peacocks, turtles, bulls, fish, frogs, and many more to decorate in your homes, offices, hotels, or shops. You can even gift them to anyone and they will surely like them a lot. An art lover would definitely appreciate the intricate detailing and beauty of these art pieces. Buy a vintage Dhokra net peacock decor item and decorate it to give your home a different look.
Pattachitra Paintings & Art Work
Patta means leaf or cloth and Chitra means painting. Therefore, Pattachitra means paintings made on leaves or cloth. They are widely popular in the state, and their beauty and detail amaze almost every tourist. One can not take their eyes off these enchanting paintings without wanting to take them home. They sure add a traditional yet sophisticated look to any interior decor leaving all the guests in awe of their simplicity. There are two types of Pattachitra paintings- Palm leaf and cloth painting.
Pattachitra – Palm Leaf Paintings
This Pattachirta palm leaf painting is an intricate art form that requires great detail and skill. There is a village in Odisha, Raghurajpur near Puri has the whole village dedicated to this skill and they have been practicing it for ages. This painting is made by injecting colors in the palm leaf. It looks amazing and adds a new look to any place. You can buy this palm leaf painting framed with a crane stick and decorate it in your house or gift it to a loved one.
Pattachitra – Cloth Paintings
This form of Pattachitra painting is made on cloth, silk, or handmade paper. It mostly features Jagannath temple or some deities. Even though it is not made on a palm leaf but still looks equally beautiful and worthy of acquiring. This makes a perfect housewarming gift for someone. They will always remember you. Buy this Lalita Art Gallery Handmade Fabric Pattachitra Radha Krusha.
Pipili Work Art of Odisha
Pipili work is done by making a beautiful pattern of different colors of threads and clothes on a base cloth. This traditional art form comes from a small village named Pipili in Odisha, hence, the name Pipili. It used vibrant colors in various designs that impart every piece a unique look. This work is done on umbrellas, lamps, bags, and clothes. It is so popular all over the country that many people have these bags but are not even aware of their origin. Buy an elegant handcrafted shopping bag from Pipili with simple mirror work.
Odia Saris for Sari Lovers
An Indian women’s wardrobe must include sarees from different parts of the country that represents the diversity and rich cultural heritage of our homeland. Various states in India proudly showcase their proficient artisans and their creations. Similarly, Odisha is also a treasure trove for saree lovers. With so many handloom arts to choose from, one should get one from each.
Pasapalli Saree
These expensive sarees traditionally come in black, white, and red colored square designs all over the saree. They are unique, simple, and sophisticated. Because of their high price, people only wear them on special occasions. If you want to join the tribe of authentic traditional Saree collectors all over India, we suggest you purchase this Women’s Nuapatna Khandua Silk Saree with Pasapalli Design.
Bomkai Saree
Bomkai Sarees are known for their splendid border design and Pallas. This art form comes from the Ganjam district in Odisha. Bomkai Sarees are perfect for any traditional Indian celebration. Team it up with your traditional jewelry to complete the look. These sarees usually have fish motifs on them as they are considered auspicious. The fish design is made beautifully all over the Palla and sometimes on the border too. Buy this handmade traditional Bomkai silk saree in blue color and wear the very definition of Odisha culture.
Kotpad Saree
These are traditionally handwoven Sarees by the tribals of Odisha from Koraput. They are very heavy and made of coarse cloth with the imperfections of hand-made products. This also means that each product is distinctive and beautifully different from each other. They are simple and can be worn on an everyday basis. These sarees are both pretty and expensive. Buy this Kotpad handloom cotton Saree.
Sambalpuri Ikkat Saree
Sambalpuri Ikkat Sarees are very unique and require great skill. The factor that makes them unique is that they are woven after the thread is dyed. This process involves great attention and care. The technique requires the correct placement of threads to form designs on both sides. But the end result is very stunning. These sarees are becoming more popular and can be seen worn by many celebrities too. You can buy this cotton Ikkat saree and wear it for a simple yet elegant look.
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