Odisha

Odisha, formerly Orissa, is a state in eastern Bharat. It is the 9th largest state by area in Bharat, and the 11th-most populous state. The capital of Odisha is Bhubaneswar.

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Odisha Bharat map

Odisha is known for its rich history and culture. The state was once the home of the Kalinga Empire, which ruled the region from the 3rd century BCE to the 4th century CE. Odisha is also home to a number of important religious sites, including the Jagannath Temple and the Konark Sun Temple.

Here are some of the things that make Odisha special:

• History and culture: Odisha has a rich history and culture that dates back centuries. The state was once the home of the Kalinga Empire, which ruled the region from the 3rd century BCE to the 4th century CE. Odisha is also home to a number of important religious sites, including the Jagannath Temple and the Konark Sun Temple.
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  Konark Sun Temple Odisha Bharat
• Natural beauty: Odisha is a beautiful state with a variety of landscapes, including the Eastern Ghats, the Bay of Bengal, and the Mahanadi River delta. The state is also home to a number of wildlife sanctuaries, including the Bhitarkanika National Park and the Simlipal National Park.
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  Bhitarkanika National Park Odisha Bharat
• Religious significance: Odisha is a state with a rich religious history. The state is home to a number of important religious sites, including the Jagannath Temple, the Konark Sun Temple, and the Lingaraj Temple.
• Handicrafts: Odisha is known for its beautiful handicrafts, including pattachitra, applique work, and handloom weaving.
• Food: Odisha is a foodie's paradise. The state has a wide variety of dishes, including rasagulla, idli, and dhosa.
• People: The people of Odisha are known for their warmth and hospitality. They are also known for their resilience and hard work.

If you are looking for a state with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty, Odisha is the place for you. It is a state that is full of surprises and is sure to leave you wanting more.

Here are some of the popular tourist attractions in Odisha:

• Puri: Puri is a city that is located on the coast of Odisha. The city is home to the Jagannath Temple, which is one of the most important Hindu temples in Bharat.
• Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar is the capital of Odisha. The city is known for its temples and its museums.
• Konark: Konark is a town that is located on the coast of Odisha. The town is home to the Konark Sun Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Chilika Lake: Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon that is located in the Puri district of Odisha. The lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, crocodiles, and turtles.
• Simlipal National Park: Simlipal National Park is a national park that is located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and leopards.

Rath Yatra

Rath Yatra is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in the month of Ashadha (June–July) in the city of Puri in Odisha, Bharat. The festival commemorates the annual journey of the deities Jagannath (Krishna), Balabhadra (Balarama), and Subhadra, along with their sister-in-law, Lakshmi, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, about 3 kilometers away.

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Rath Yatra festival in Puri, Odisha

The chariots of the deities are called Nandighosha (for Jagannath), Taladhwaja (for Balabhadra), and Devadalana (for Subhadra). They are made of wood and are beautifully decorated with flowers, flags, and religious symbols. The chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees, who sing and dance in celebration.

The Rath Yatra is a time for great joy and celebration for the people of Puri. It is a time to come together as a community and to celebrate their faith. The festival also attracts pilgrims from all over India and the world.

Here are some of the important events of the Rath Yatra festival:

• Ratha Prathistha: This is the ceremony in which the chariots are consecrated and the deities are placed inside them. It takes place on the day before the Rath Yatra.
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  Ratha Prathistha ceremony in Puri, Odisha
• Chhera Pahanra: This is the ritual of sweeping the path of the chariots. It is believed that this will purify the path and remove any obstacles.
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  Chhera Pahanra ritual in Puri, Odisha
• Bahuda Yatra: This is the return journey of the deities from the Gundicha Temple to the Jagannath Temple. It takes place nine days after the Rath Yatra.