States Odisha Festivals

Fairs and Festivals in Odisha

Over the centuries Odisha has been home to many religions and various sacred places that are steeped in history. It is not surprising then that it is also home to many fairs and festivals ranging from music and dance festivals to tribal festivals and more. The fairs and festivals of Odisha are so famous that every year thousands of devotees and tourists flock to the state to either participate or witness in these events. Some even plan a festival tour that encompasses most, if not all, of the popular festivals here. A festival in Odisha is at once a religious event and a popular one as well. Whether it is summer or winter, you can always find something going on in Odisha. The festivals of Odisha are varied in form and function; they can be about folklore, religion, agriculture, the turning of the seasons, tradition and even the classical dance of Orissi, making each one a must-see. Even if you can't attend all, there are some prominent festivals that you wouldn't want to miss. Since Lord Jagannath is the premier deity worshipped in the state, it is no surprise that a large number of festivals are dedicated to him. Prominent among these is the festival that is famous all over India and attracts devotees and tourists in thousands: the Puri Rath Yatra.

In fact, for many, Odisha is almost synonymous with this festival. The Shakti cult is also a major part of the cultural tapestry in Odisha. Naturally, this ensures that the Hindu festival of Durga Puja and Kali Puja are celebrated each year with great gusto. Head to the state during the months of September and October and you too will be infected with joy and enthusiasm that these festivals generate in the population. If you're looking for something more along the lines of art, Odisha won't disappoint you there either. Head to Chandrabhaga Beach near Konark and prepare to be amazed at the stunning displays of sand sculptures during the International Sand Art Festival. Konark is also where you want to be, not only to marvel at the stunning architecture of the Temple but also to take in the grace and beauty displayed during the Konark Dance Festival which attracts classical dancers from all Indian disciplines - from Kathak to Manipuri. The sheer number of cultural festivals and fairs in Odisha give it a unique and truly colourful identity. You will find that any vacations to this state are memorable experiences; the festivals, the fairs, the colours and the joy only serve to enhance the experience.

Popular Festivals of Odisha

  • Rath Yatra

    Rath Yatra or worldly famed as Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most-awaited festivals in the country. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the festival is a sacred journey which commences from Jagannath Temple and ends at Gundicha Temple. Read more

  • Chandan Yatra

    Celebrated on the pious land of Puri, the auspicious Chandan Yatra is a twenty-one-day festival that marks the conclusion of the cycle of religious festivals. Read more

  • Durga Puja

    A major religious festival in Odisha is Durga Puja. Goddess Durga is worshipped during this festival to signifies the triumph of good over evil. Read more

  • Konark Dance Festival

    Be ready to treat you with an open-air cultural dance and music celebration. The four-day Konark Dance Festival proffers a great chance for tourists to witness the aesthetic essence of Odisha's culture. Read more

  • Puri Beach Festival

    A modern-day celebration which held every year in the month of November is Puri Beach Festival. Cultural programs, fashion shows, exhibitions, delicious delicacies, and sports are the main attractions of the Beach Festival. Read more

  • Kalinga Mahotsav

    Join this popular event in Odisha as the vibrant traditions of martial arts of India awaits to astound you through music and dance performances. The Kalinga Mahotsav is celebrated to harmonize the vivacity of martial arts. Read more

  • Ekamra Utsav

    Ekamra Utsav is a splendid opportunity to experience vibrant hues of this beautiful city of Odisha. The festival is a series of festive events which encompasses National Handloom Exhibition, Folk Dance Festival, and Food Festival. Read more

  • Shree Kshetra Utsav

    Another famous festival in Odisha that is celebrated in the hallowed city of Puri is Shree Kshetra Utsav. It is conducted every year to commemorate the effervescent culture, tradition, and history of the region. Read more

  • Rajarani Music Festival

    Here comes the Rajarani Music Festival, the best way to celebrate originality and richness of Indian Classical Music. This two-day celebration is held every year in the month of January in Rajarani Temple. Read more

  • Chaita Parva

    Chaita Parva is one of the most esteemed festivals of tribal people of Koraput in Odisha. During this festival, locals celebrate the festival in full ardour by wearing new clothes, sacrificing animals, feast drink, dancing, and singing. Read more

  • Joranda Mela

    Every year in the month of February, Dhenkanal district of Odisha organizes a 3-day festival which is celebrated by the sadhus of the Mahima religion to pay homage to supreme Mahima Gosain. Read more

  • Karma Festival

    This lively tribal festival takes place in the month of Bhadra (August-September) and is held mostly on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight. It is one of the must-visit festivals that is celebrated by the locals with full zeal. Read more

  • Kedu Festival

    Be ready to fill your heart with an amazing fest in Odisha where people of Kondhs tribe celebrate a 5-day long festival, Kedu Festival. Different rituals are performed by the locals in all these five days to celebrate Kedu Festival. Read more

  • Taratarini Mela

    One of the India's biggest carnivals is Taratarini Mela which is celebrated with a lot of ardour on every Tuesday in the month of Chaitra (March-April) at Tara Tarini Pitha. Read more

  • Bali Jatra

    Bali Jatra is another tribal festival celebrated by the people of Koraput tribe. This highly auspicious celebration starts on the eleventh day of the bright half of the Bhadra month and lasts till full moon. Read more

  • Makar Mela

    To commemorate the Sun God, Makar Mela or popularly known as Makar Sankranti is celebrated in the month of January throughout Odisha. This is one of the traditional festivals in India which not exuberantly celebrated in different states of the country. Read more

  • Sume Gelirak

    Probably, the most auspicious festival in Koraput, Odisha, Sume Gelirak is a ten-day long celebration which includes some traditional rituals along with singing and dancing. Read more

  • Adivasi Mela

    Evidently, a must-see fair that promotes the art and craft of tribal communities of the state. Forest and tribal products along with the cultural programmes are some highlights of this enthralling fete. Read more

Odisha Travel Information at a Glance

Get authentic information on how to plan an incredible trip to Odisha. Tour My India brings to you all the important details on how to reach Odisha by different means of transport along with information on where to visit and what to do on your Odisha tour. Find information on best time to visit Odisha and a comprehensible travel guide to varied destinations in the state that are worth visiting.