Orissa Review * December - 2004

Great Heritages of Orissa

Dr. Hemanta Kumar Mohapatra

Etymologically, 'heritage' is anything that is or Cultural heritages are the creation of human may be inherited. In such case 'heritage' covers beings, who have created it by virtue of their everything that is seen around the human innovative power, creativity, skill and artistic civilization. Heritage is thus natural or created ability. or has evolved in the course of history. It is natural or man-made. Of the man-made Cultural heritages may be tangible or heritages some are already made and existing intangible. Archaeological heritages may be and others are in the process of making. But otherwise called tangible heritages. The everything what we inherit or may be inherited intangible ones may be called living heritages. can not be heritage in the proper use of the But for better comprehension and convenience term. To assume the dimension of heritage such we have discussed the cultural heritages in features must have influenced the socio- entirety under the following sections. economic and cultural life of the people. It must (a) Archaeological heritages (b) Literary have substantially influenced the imagination heritages (c) Religious heritages and life style of the human beings. A society (d) Performing art heritages, (e) Heritage or civilization is known and become unique festivals (f) Art and craft heritages by its own tradition. It gets its identity by its (g) Modern heritages of Orissa. own heritages. The cultural dimension of Orissa is Heritage is something which is specific varied and wide. Every bit of Oriyan culture and typical of a place, area, region or country and tradition is not included in this discussion. on the one hand and of a family, community or people on the other. It may broadly be But the existing monuments and the cultural categorised under two heads. They are activities which had shaped or is shaping the (a) Natural, (b) Cultural. Natural heritages life style of the Oriya people are included in include all the natural features like mountain, the perview of this feature. From this peaks, valleys, forests, deserts, water bodies, discussion the identity of the Oriyas and Orissa landscape, flora and fauna. In it we can include can evolve in a proper and distinct form. everything that is gifted to human being by However at first let us have a discussion on nature good or bad, peaceful or terrible. the natural heritages of Orissa.

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Great Natural Heritages of Orissa To maintain the eco-balance and to Nature has given everything to Orissa. protect the flora and fauna, national parks are Nature's bounties and glories are distinctly earmarked at Similipal and Bhitarakanika of expressed through its gifts like beautiful Orissa. Besides these national parks, Orissa beaches, mighty rivers, water streams and has a number of wildlife sanctuaries. Similipal falls. In Orissa we have spectacular mountains National Park in Mayurbhanj district is known and valleys as well as sprawling green field for its Tiger Reserve. It has other wild animals of plains. In Orissa nature is also bountiful for and 231 species of birds. Bhitarakanika its wide varieties of flora and fauna. National Park () which sprawled The widespread sandy sea beaches with over 367 square km. is known for its protected roaring sea can best be observed at , mangrove forest. It has a wide variety of Gopalpur and Chandrabhaga (near Konark). animals and crocodiles. Gahiramatha beach is Chandipur at sea has a special attraction. Here well known for its sea-turtles. Gharial Bay of Bengal recedes and proceeds 5 km. sanctuary of Satkosia Ganda (Gorge) at everyday. It is a peaceful sea-side resort. At Tikarpara is well known. Ushakothi wild life Puri, the Bay of Bengal is known as sanctuary near Sambalpur is known for its Mahodadhi and on the sea shore there is a place elephants, leopards, bisons and black panthers. called Swargadwar which is very sacred for Belghar (Phulbani ) and Chandka (Khurda) are performing funeral rites. known for elephants. Orissa is rich with sacred rivers like the Though Puri, Chandipur and Gopalpur , Brahmani, Baitarani, Subarnarekha, are well developed summer resorts, the real Rushikulya and Indravati. Mountains like natural summer resort and hill station is situated Deomali and Gandhamardana are well known. at Daringbadi of Kandhamala district. Deomali is the highest mountain peak of Orissa Daringbadi is nicknamed as the Kashmir of and Gandhamardana is a sacred one. It is rich Orissa, especially due to the snowfall in the with rare spacies of flora and fauna. On the winter-season. one side of Gandhamardana hill there is Harishankar and on the other side there is However the greatest natural heritage of Nrusinghanath. Gonasika hills in Keonjhar Orissa is the beautiful Chilka. Originally it is district is known for the origin of the river a salty lagoon. Baitarani. Utkal Kamala Bilas Dirghika - Maralamalini Nilambu Chilika, Utkalra Tuhi Charu Alankara-Ae Biswabhubane There are a number of beautiful Shobhara Bhandara. waterfalls in Orissa. They are Bada-Ghagara, Sana-Ghagara and Khandadhara in Keonjhar Thus said the great oriya poet Radhanath district, Barehipani waterfall in Similipal Ray in his Kavya "Chilika", spread over 1100 National Park, Pradhanpat (Deogarh), Phurli square km. Chilika is the largest inland lake of Jharan in Kalahandi, Duduma of Malkangiri . It is dotted with a number of small and etc. Khandadhar is the loveliest waterfall of big islands. It has the richest variety of aquatic Orissa. The known natural hotsprings of Orissa fauna. Its "Nalabana" is famous for its are Atri (Khurda), Taptapani (Ganjam) and migratory birds in winter. One can see the Deulajhari (Angul). Irrawady Dolphins in this lake at Satapara area.

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Chilika is also well known for its fishing and memorise the great event of Asoka's change boating. The other two lakes of Orissa are Sara from Chandasoka to Dharmasoka and his and Ansupa. acceptance of Buddhism from Upagupta, a The famous Nandankanan Zoological Buddhist Bhiskhyu. Park and the Botanical garden adjacent to it At Khandagiri and Udayagiri near have turned to be great heritages of Orissa. rock-cut caves are seen. These Endowed with a natural lake, it is known for caves were originally built for the Jain monks. the rare white tigers and migratory birds which The double storeyed Ranigumpha is the largest nest here during winter. It has India's largest cave of this series and has ornate carvings. The lion safari as well as a white tiger safari. Hatigumpha has the chronicle of King Archaeological Heritages of Orissa Kharavela carved on it. The glorious days of powerful Kalinga empire under Kharavela are Orissa has around 4000 monuments and very much enlivened by this inscription in Pali archaeological sites. They include prehistoric language. remains, Buddhist monasteries and structures Ratnagiri-Lalitgiri-Udayagiri hills near like chaityas and stupas, Jain caves and Kendrapara and their environs comprise a temples, important inscriptions, Hindu temples remarkable Buddhist complex around it. Hiuen and sculptures, ancient and medieval forts, Tsang, the chinese pilgrim found it to be the palaces as well as colonial architecture. seat of a flourishing Buddhist university called Cave paintings of Neolithic age is seen Puspagiri. It had equal status with Takshyashila at Yogimath of Kalahandi district. Another and Nalanda. Extensive ruins of brick pagodas, prehistoric site is also located in the same sculptured stone portals and esoteric Buddhist district. The site is at Gudahandi and is known images testifying its ancient glory, have been for cave painting. In the district of Keonjhar at unearthed. Ratnagiri is the gem of the complex. a place called Sitabinjhi one can see ancient The magnificently carved door jamb of the fresco paintings on a rock shelter called Ravan Vihar and the superbly finished Buddha images Chhaya. form perhaps the greatest concentration of the The Asokan inscriptions of Dhauli (near post Gupta period Buddhist sculptures. Bhubaneswar) and Jaugarh (Ganjam) had The Kalinga style of temple architecture shaped the life pattern of Kalinga people in flourished from 7th to the 13th century A.D. the ancient days. The hillock of Dhauli and the The most important monuments of this period sideby river Daya reminds of the heroic can be seen in and around Bhubaneswar and Kalinga militia which showed great valour and Puri. In Bhubaneswar alone there are more than courage preferring death to surrender. They 500 temples and rightly it is called the 'temple fought the great Kalinga battle, were defeated city of India'. Bhubaneswar was a Saiva at the hands of Magadhan soldiers but their (centre of Saivism) and in most of the temples heroism and sacrifice compelled the Magadhan of this place, Siva is being worshipped as the emperer Asoka to renounce war once for all. principal deity. The Parasurameswara Temple A viswa Santi Stupa has been erected at Dhauli built in 7th century A.D. was the earliest one. by the Japanese Nippan Baudha Sangha to Other richly decorated and remarkable temples

39 Orissa Review * December - 2004 of Bhubaneswar are Svarnajaleswar temple, Mahanadi island on the north west side of Vaital temple. Mukteswara temple and its , the cluster of temples at Sonepur famous makar torana was built in 10th century (Suvarnapur) and Bhawanipatna. A.D. The beautiful was built The archaeological remains of the forts in 11th century A.D. The great Lingaraj temple and palaces found in Orissa are valuable of Bhubaneswar was built in the same 11th heritage sites. These forts and palaces had century by Somavamshi ruler Jajati Keshari. influenced the life-style of the Oriyas in the The Great temple Srimandira of Lord past. They are the mute witnesses of past is another great monumental heritage heroism of the Oriyas. The prominent of these of Orissa. Ganga ruler, Chodagangadev started forts were Barabati fort of Cuttack, the fort at the building of this temple and it was Chatia (Amaravati Cuttack), the fort of completed during the reign of Sarangagarh, walled capital centre of Anangabhimadev. This was built in 12th Sishupalgarh (near Bhubaneswar), Asurgarh century A.D. The architectural marvel, reached fort (Kalahandi) and Raibania fort its zenith with the building of the Sun Temple (Mayurbhanj). The palaces of erstwhile at Konark by Ganga ruler Narasinghadev. In feudatory states also stand as mute witness to fact it was the last specimen of the matured Gadajati rule in the pre-independence era. Kalinga style of architecture. This temple was The Grand-road(Badadanda) of Puri is designed as the chariot of the God (Sun) a great heritage of Orissa. It has in itself the and this chariot had 24 wheels. The Konark Saradhabali, Balagandi and a number of wheels, the Konark horses are the greatest important places. This Badadanda is a mute symbols of Orissan sculptural achievements. witness to many a rise and fall of Oriya race. Besides these important monumental It has also seen a number of saints and sadhus heritages the Oriyas were very much influenced and become sacred with their foot prints. It by other architectural marvels as well. has also seen teerthayatris from different parts Chausathi yogini temple of Ranipur Jharial in of world during their pilgrimage to Jagannath the district of Balangir is a wonder in the world Dham. The Orissa State Museum of of archaeology. Nrusinghanath in the district Bhubaneswar is also a potential heritage of Sambalpur was built in the 15th century A.D. centre. The architectural monuments of Prachi Valley Great Literary Heritages of Orissa which includes the Yogini temple of Hirapur have substantially influenced the lifestyle of Without going to the technical the Oriyan people around it. This Yogini temple controversies we can safely assume that of Hirapur is one of the four such temples in or Baudhagana Doha formed the India. It has beautiful Yogini images carved earliest rudiments of Oriya literature. And from black chlorite. naturally they are the basic literary heritages of the Oriyas. The other temples of Orissa with archaeological value are the temples of Oriya literature with most of its vibrant Chandrasekhara Siva on the hill top of Kapilas characters emerged only in 12th century A.D. (Dhenkanala), the temple in the Some of the scholars considered Sishuveda and

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Saptanga belonging to this century. The late 15th century and 16th century developed Sishuveda and the Saptangas were the works by the Panchasakha poets of Orissa (Jagannath, of Natha cult. One can see the amalgamation Balaram, Achyuta, Anant and Yasovantta Das) of Buddhism and Saiva cult in it. became the life line of the contemporary and Rudrasudhanidhi of Abadhut Narayan laterday Oriyas. The Bhagabat of Jagannath Swami, which is a prose work composed in a Das became a part and parcel of every Oriya poetic style, was a 13th centuy creation. It is household. Likewise the Ramayan of Balaram religious and romantic describing the marriage Das also caught the imagination of Oriya between Siva and Parvati. people. However Oriya language in its rich and Oriya poetry continued to be the most stylish form appeared in the magnum opus of powerful cultural force even after the Oriya literature, the Mahabharat of Sarala Panchasakhas. In Ritiyuga poetic laws, canons, Das. is called the Adikabi of Oriya dictums got more importance. It became literature. His Mahabharat was never a difficult for comprehension. But they continued translation of the Sanskrit Mahabharat of to be popular. Especially the poems of Kabi Vedavyasa. The theme was the same but it was Samrat overcame almost all completely oriyanised by the great poet of the spheres of Oriya life. It was sung by the Orissa. This Sarala Das also ccomposed the scholars in the royal court. It was sung by the Chandi Purana and Vilanka Ramayan. The travellers on the road. The farmers recite his Kesab Koili is another great piece of Oriya poems when ploughing in the corn-field. His literature which had influenced the cultural life songs were also sung in the inner chambers of style of the Oriyas. the royal palace as well as by the prostitutes when dancing. Some of the Oriya inscriptions of 13th, 14th and 15th centuries are also valuable Gae tumbha gita sabhare pandita pathe pantha pieces of Oriya literary heritages. Such hrustamana / bile bole chasa, Antapure josa prominent inscriptions are - nrutyarange barangana // (Utkalmani Gopabandhu) 1. Laxmi - Narasingha Temple "Baidehisa Vilas, "Labanyabati", "Kotibrahmandasundari", (Simanchalam) inscription of Bhanudev (1263-1269) "Premasudhanidhi", "Kalakautuka", "Subhadraparinaya" were most notable 2. Tamil-Oriya Bilingual Inscription of creations of Upendra Bhanja. Narasinghadev-IV (14th century) Other medieval poets, whose poems 3. Puri Inscription of Anangabhimadev III must be included in the list of "Oriya Literary 1226 and 1237 A.D. Halls of fame" are Kabisurya Baladev Rath, Another great literary heritage of Orissa Bhakta Charan Das and . is of course the 'Madalapanji', the temple Brajanath Badajena is more known in Oriya chronicle of Sri Jagannath Temple. literary circle for his prose "Chaturavinod". Madalapanji is a combination of history, After the Ritiyuga there was a spectacular legends and heresays. The Bhakti literature of decline in the development of Oriya literature.

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However the revival movement of Oriya popular as his elder brother. But from the critics literature started with Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan point of view his writings are superior for Senapati. He is also nick named as the which he was awarded Jnanapitha for his novel Kathasamrat (the emperor of fiction). His 'Mati Matal'. But in literary circle he is more novels and short stories not only influenced known for his novels like Paraja, Danapani, the style of Oriya literature, but also the life- Dadibudha etc. is a story writer pattern of Oriya society. His great novels were and could write with equal comfort in Oriya Chhamana Athagunth, Mamun, Lachama and and English. His short stories are naturally the Prayaschit. His stories were edited in great heritages of Oriya literature. Sachi Galpaswalpa. His autobiography Routray received Jnanapitha, for a later book. Atmajeevanicharita may be considered as a But his poem "Chotamora Gaanti is a heritage piece of contemporary history. poem and he is remembered in Orissa as a The great Oriya poets of this time were Chotamora Gaanti poet. The poems and the and . The research articles on the tribals of Sitakanta Kavya 'Chilika of Radhanath' formed the life Mohapatra has endeared him in the Oriya stream of the Oriya people. Radhanath Ray literary circle. The Jnanapitha prize awarded composed many Kavyas as well as responsible to him put him in the category of great Indian for development of modern prose literature. writers. Madhusudan Rao was a devotional poet and Historical novels of Oriya literature like is known as Bhaktakabi. Swabhavakabi Nilasaila, Niladrivijaya, Krishavenire , produced the sweet songs Sandhya, Sultana, Kharavela, Suryavamshi of Tapaswini which is known for its lyrical and Rajanandini have influenced the cultural value as well as heartening theme of the life pattern of the Oriyas. Novels on banishment of Sita depicted in the Ramayan. mythological plot like Yajnaseni has also a The literature of later "Sabuja Yuga" and the special place in Oriya literary heritage. romantic writings of Mayadhar Manasingh had Popular novels of and Prativa created sensation in Oriya social life and Ray have tremendous impact on the average naturally to be protected as heritage materials. Oriya readers. Naturally by way of their The patriotic songs of the days of freedom popularity they acquired heritagial value. struggle must be compiled and protected as great literary heritages of Orissa. The Literary Heritage of Orissa in Sanskrit composer of such songs were Jatiyakabi is richly displayed by the great Sanskrit works Birakishore Das and Banchhanidhi Mohanty. like the Panchatantra by Vishnusarma (5th Century AD) and the Geetagovinda of Sri In modern times the novels of Kanhu Jayadev. Charan could catch the imagination of the people. His novels, which became obviously, Religious Heritages of Orissa the literary heritages are Baliraja, Haa-anna, In the past Orissa had experienced the Kaa, Shasti etc. The Oriya literature was warmth of all the major religious streams. flooded with his popular novels, which are Orissa has basically a tribal religious tradition more than 60 in numbers. Kanhu Charan's which moves round the worshipping of natural younger brother is not as features as well as invisible forces which

42 Orissa Review * December - 2004 creates sensation, fear and devotion in the minds Saivite monuments and Saivism of simple tribals. The multi-dimensional developed around it are found scattered religious tradition of the tribals of Orissa must throughout Orissa. Most of the temples of constitute a major force in the Religious Bhubaneswar are Saiva shrines and God Siva Heritages of Orissa. is worshipped here in different form and manifestation. The prominent Siva temple of By now Buddhism and Jainisim have Bhubaneswar are Kedareswar, little impact on Oriyas. But the monuments Parsurameswar, Mukteswar, Swarnajaleswar, connected with such religions must be Megheswar, Brahmeswar and Lingaraj preserved as our tradition of great religious temples. In Puri we have Sriloknath temple. heritages. The capital city of Bhubaneswar is Another great Saiva pitha of Orissa is surrounded by Buddhist relics such as the Dhabaleswar near Cuttack. Paramahanshanath Asokan monuments at Dhauli. The modern Siva temple near Cuttack is also a known Saiva santistupa at Dhauli is another Buddhist Pitha. The other well known Saiva of heritage. In Jagannath cult itself one can see Orissa are Panchalingeswar (Nilagiri), Buddhist influence. Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri and Akhandalamani (Aradi), , Udayagiri are well known for Buddhist culture. Bhawanisankar (Bhawanipatna), Pataleswar In Boudh the presence of a huge Buddha image (Budhikumna-Kalahandi), Lord Birupakshya has carved out a niche for the place in the (of Chakapad-Phulbani), Harisankar (Balangir) Buddhist map of Orissa. Khandagiri and Gupteswar (Koraput) and temple of Udayagiri caves are the relics of Jaina tradition Huma. in Orissa. The Vaishnavism of Orissa has its The Sakti-cult of Orissa is well greatest manifestation in the Sri Jagannath of manifested by the presence of so many Puri. Besides, Vaishnab shrines can be seen at Shaktipithas in Orissa. Such Shaktipithas are Bhubaneswar (Ananta Vasudev Temple), spreaded all over Orissa. Goddess Vimala of Remuna (Khirachora Gopinath), Sakhigopal Sri Jagannath temple complex, Puri, Goddess (Sakhigopinath), Sabar Srikshetra, Koraput Mangla of Kakatpur, Maa Sarala of Jhankad, (Jagannath), Niali (Madhav), (Sveta Maa Biraja of Jajpur, Goddess Charchika of Varaha), Kendrapara (Balabhadra, Jagannath, Banki, Maa Bhagabati of Banapur, Maa Suvadra at Tulasi Kshetra) etc. of Sambalpur are the prominent The headquarters of Mahima cult is among them. The other Saktipithas are located situated at Joranda (). Mahima cult at Konark (Ramachandi), Brahmagiri is an independent religious sect of Orissa and (Baliharachandi), Cuttack (Cuttack Chandi), was popularised first by Mahima Gosain and Chilika (Maa ), Bhattarika (Goddess then by the Mahima Sadhus. , the Bhattarika), Purushottampur (Tara Tarini), poet, played a prominent role in popularising Ghatgaon (Tarini), Bhawanipatna the philosophy of this religious cult. Ganapati (Manikeswari), Balangir (Pataneswari). There is also worshipped in the Jagannath temple are also yogini temples at Hirapur and Ranipur complex and at Mahavinayak pitha of Jharial. Vaital temple of Bhubaneswar is Chandikhol. In most of the temple complex of known for its goddess Chamunda. Orissa one can find an image of Sri Ganesh.

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Besides, in Orissa is widely Chadheianach, Kandheinach, Gaudanka Laudi worshipped. Sidha Mahaveer of Puri and Siruli Khela and Paik Nacha. Pala and Daskathia are Mahaveer near Puri and Panchamukhi Hanuman very much indigenous to Orissa. The main at Cuttack are the most prominent Hanuman singer of Pala is a Gahana or Gayak supported Pithas of Orissa. of by a Bayak (the Player of Mridanga) and three is a modern day phenomenon. When Hanuman or four palias (followers). Daskathia is is worshipped, his lord is also performed by a Gahana and a palia. Daskathia worshipped with veneration and devotion. is a musical instrument prepared from two Performing Art Heritages of Orissa pieces of wood producing rhythmic sound. The Orissa has a rich heritage of music, main gayaks of Pala and Daskathia must master instrumental as well as vocal. She has her own the traditional poetry of Sanskrit and Oriya style of music called . Champu, literature. Namasankirtan is another type of Chhanda, Chautisha form the basic material for song drama performed by the Oriya Vaishnavas, this . The vocal music performed being influenced by Srichaitanya, the great by Nimain Charan Harichandan, Singhari Bhakti saint of India. Shyamsundar Kar, Balakrishna Das, Raghunath In Orissa the tradition of Suaanga and Panigrahi, and Sunanda Patnaik can Geetavinaya is very old. Baishnav Pani and be preserved as our traditional musical Balakrishna Mohanty are well known for their heritage. In Palligeet and modern vocal the Yatra Suaangas. Baishnava Pani himself wrote songs of can be best Suaangas and directed its stage performance. preserved. Other great modern Oriya singers His Geetvinayas are well accepted by include Pranab Pattanaik and Sikander Alam. applauding Oriya audiences. The Operas, Odissi dance is one of the great classical based on mythological, historical and social dance styles of India. It is a refined form of themes are performed by yatra troops in open and . The great air pendal. It is even now a days, very popular exponents of this dance are Nrityaguru among the Oriya people. Amateur artists Kelucharan Mohapatra and Guru Pankaj perform theatre on experimental and traditional Charan Das. Sunanda Panigrahi, Kumkum topics in Orissa. There were also a few Mohanty and Sonal Mansingh are most famous professional theatre groups like Annapurna and Odissi dance performers. It is so popular world Janata Rangamancha. They are dead. We failed wide that Indians as well as foreigners are miserably to preserve such traditions. attracted to perform this dance by learning with the help of the Nrityagurus. Mughal Tamsha of , Prahallad Natak of Ganjam, and Ramaleela are also well Chhau is a sub-classical martial dance style. Mayurbhanj Chhau like its two other known is Orissa. The Mughal Tamasha was counterparts, Sareikella and Purulia Chhau, is written by Banshiballav Goswami. It was a another heritage wealth of Orissa. Orissa is caricature of the Mughal administration in also proud of a number of folk dances. The Orissa and the dialogues were written in a best known folk dances of Orissa are Ghoomra, mixed language (Sanskrit, Oriya, Bengali, Sambalpuri, Karama, Ghodanach, Hindi, Persian and Urdu).

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Great Heritage Festivals of Orissa works and colourful procession of Rama, Orissa has her indigenous festivals like Laxman and Janaki escorted with hundreds of Makarasankranti, Panasankranti, Asokastami, Hanumans. Ramanavami, , Rath Yatra, Bata Osha, For holy baths, Chandrabhaga Gamha Punei, Khudurukuni Osha, Bhai Jauntia, Maghasaptami Mela, Vyasasarovar Mela, and Ganesh Puja, Dasahara, Kalipuja, Gajalaxmi Dasawamedhaghat Snan of Jajpur are famous. Puja, Kumar Purnima, Kartika Habisha, Bada The Oriyas also have their holy dip in the sacred Osa, Kartika Purnima / Boita Bandan, Basanta tanks of Bindu Sagar (Bhubaneswar), Narendra Panchami, Sivaratri, Manabasa, Dolaparva, and Indradyumna tank of Puri. , , Janmastami and Sambadasami etc. Mahasivaratri Utshab is an annual festival being celebrated in almost all the Yatras, Melas and Mahotshavas are Saivapithas of Orissa. This festival of celebrated with much pomp and grandeur Mahasivaratri falls on the 14th day of the dark during such festivals or otherwise. The famous half of Phalguna and is observed by the yatras of Orissa are as follows. Baliyatra of devotees by keeping fast and burning the sacred Cuttack and Paradeep are celebrated with Boita lamp till the Mahadeep reaches at the temple Bandana on Kartika Purnima day in the memory top in the midnight. of the sea-trade of the Kalingan Sadhabs. Thakurani Yatra in Brahmapur celebrated with The Gajalaxmi puja of Dhenkanal and much pomp. In this yatra the goddess leaves Kendrapara, Dassahara of Cuttack, Jhulana the temple sanctum and come to a common Purnima of Puri and Cuttack, Kalipuja of household as a mark of daughters home coming Bhadrak and Jajpur are also equally famous to her fathers home. Sitalasasthi Yatra of throughout the state. Taratarini Mela on the hill Sambalpur is celebrated in the form of social top (bank of the river Rushikulya) attracts marriage function of Siva and Parvati. thousands of devotees in the month of Chaitra. Dhanuyatra of Baragada in enacted in open Among the tribals, Puspuni and Makar stage. The legend of Krishna visiting Mathura are celebrated with traditional festivities to see the Dhanuyatra of uncle Kansha is enriched with tribal dance and songs. performed here. Amapalli village on the Makarmela festival can best be observed at otherside of river Jira became Gopapur. Jira places like Kalijai, Atri, Ghatgaon, Keonjhar, became Yamuna and Baragarh became the Jashipur and . Chaitra Parab Mathura city of Kansha. of Puri is (April) is celebrated with Chhau festival at well known. Following its spirit and tradition Baripada on Mahavisuba Sankranti Day. Ratha yatra is celebrated in different parts of the province as well as in other places of the Some of the Melas and Mahotshavas are world. Rukunarath yatra of Bhubaneswar is organised by the government or sponsored by celebrated on Asokastami Day. Dola Melana different organisation to attract tourists or to (congragation) is another tradition of Orissa. remind the world of the cultural heritages of Harirajpur Melan is famous for its colourful Orissa. In this discipline "Lok Mahotsava" is cracker works. Ramanavami yatra of organised every year in the month of January Asureswar is also well known for its cracker at Gangadhar Mandap in Sambalpur.

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Sambalpuri folk dances and musics are Miniature paintings in Orissa are well performed here for three days. displayed in "". are based on religious themes. The artists of In collaboration of Department of Pattachitra use traditional materials to prepare Tourism and Culture, Government of Orissa, durable and bright colours. The Pattachitra or the district administration of Koraput organises Raghurajpur is praised throughout the world. "Parab" in the last week of the month of January The entire village folk of Raghurajpur are fine every year. Odissi, different types of artisans and sculptors. Raghurajpur is a world folkdances, tribal dances are performed here. heritage village. Palm-leaf manuscripts of The tribal art and craft of Koraput also are Orissa also contain beautiful pictures of displayed here. miniature paintings. The Beach Festival of Puri in the month The tribals like Saura, Kondhas and of February and the Konark festival in the month Santals decorate their houses with motifs of of December are well attended by the foreign flowers, birds and geometrical designs. On the tourists and the local spectators. These new occasion of animal sacrifice, the Sauras draw festivals are fast becoming powerful tradition Ittals on their walls. Dream sequences are and heritages of Orissa. In course of time depicted through these Ittals. Konark Dance Festival is assuming the Rock paintings in Orissa are found at dimension of a national dance festival. Ulapgarh and Vikramkhol in Sambalpur district, Great Art and Craft Heritages of Orissa Manikmada and Ushakothi of Sundargarh district, Gudahandi and Yogimath of Kalahandi Orissa is also known far her superb art district, Chhaya at Sitabanjhi in and craft heritages. Traditional art of Orissa is Keonjhar district. best manifested in the paintings of walls and floor of the households. Such traditional art Paintings on temple walls is another art form is known as jhoti or chita. The walls and style of Orissa. These paintings mostly follow floors of Oriya household are beautifully the mural tradition. Allegorical, mythological and historical themes are depicted in these decorated with jhoti especially in the festive mural paintings. The two most important occasion like Dussahara and Manabasa (The paintings inside the Jagannath temple complex worship of Laxmi). The colour material are Kanchi Vijaya and Buddhavijaya. prepared for the purpose is from the rice-paste Dashavatara murals are also painted on the and one earth paint called "Dhau" is used to temple walls of different temples. The decorate it with red colour. Anantasayana scene of is also In the month of Kartika, Muruja (a colour displayed in temple walls. powder) is prepared and pictures are drawn In Orissa, painting tradition is broadly on the pedestal of tulasi plant (chaura). divided into three categories. They are Puri- Chitakutta or tattooing is another art form of style, Daskhin school and Champamala school. Orissa. A tatto mark on a woman is believed The Dakhini tradition is observed in places to symbolise chastity. Some believe that it is a like Ghumusar, Khallikote, Dharokote, Tikkali shield against the torture of Yama, the God of and Manjusha. The Champamala school death, or a means to salvation. prevails in Sonepur and Sambalpur.

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The handicrafts of Orissa having heritage University of Technology (BPUT) Rourkela the value are the silverware and filigree works of number of Universities in Orissa comes to a Cuttack, terracotta and pottery work, applique sum total of 9. Other premier centre of learning work of Pipili and horn work of Cuttack. Orissa and research in Orissa are CRRI (Central Rice has a rich heritage of producing artistic Research Institute, Cuttack) CIFA (Central handloom sarees. Sambalpuri sarees, Bamkei Institute of Freshwater Acquaculture, and Berhampuri patta, and Bapta Kaushalyaganga). Regional Research sarees have mature and beautiful style. They Laboratory, Institute of Physics, Institute of Life have nation wide demand. In stone the Science, Regional Institute of Education, sculptors of Orissa prepare decorative Pathani Samanta Planetarium are located at figurines like Alasa Kanya, Salabhanjika, Bhubaneswar. National Institute of Technology Surasundari, Lekhika etc. Now a days the is a premier technical institution situated at images of Ganapati, Radhakrushna, Hanuman Rourkela. They are all shaping the life of the are in great demand. Other handicrafts of Orissa Oriyas for the future and are great heritage are sola pith work, lacquer work, zari work, materials. Regional Plant Research Centre, glass beads, cloth garlands, camphor garlands, Ekamra Kanan, Bhubaneswar is well known jute carpets, rush mats etc. for its research in cactus. Kalanagar at The Modern Heritage Centres of Orissa Bhubaneswar is known for research and training in handicrafts. The life pattern of Oriya people is greatly influenced by newly established Besides these, a few major projects heritage centres. A centre of education started which changed the life style of the Oriyas in in the 19th century, may the modern times are the Hirakud Dam Project, be called as a premier heritage centre of Orissa. Duduma Project and the recently developed The Satyavadi school at Sakhigopal which was Upper Kolab and Indravati proejcts. The big established by Utkalmani Gopabandhu was factories like RSP, NALCO, MIG Factory at another centre of learning and heritage. In this Sunabeda are other great heritages of modern school, scholars like Acharya Harihara, time. The INS Chilka, the Missile Testing Krupasindhu Mishra taught the pupils. Centre of Chandipur, the Charbatia air base Gopabandhu tried to develop a very different and the Ordnance factory of Saintala are some type of education system here. Utkal University of the great defence establishments located in came into existence only a few years before Orissa. Barabati Stadium is the biggest sports the independence. Other centres of excellence complex in Orissa and very much proud of its like OUAT (Orissa University of Agriculture heritage in connection with games and sports. and Technology), Sambalpur and Berhampur Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium of Cuttack universities came after independence. By now is another milestone in the development of after the establishment of sri Jagannath Sanskrit sports in Orissa. Birsa Munda Sports Hostel University at Puri, University of Culture at is known for producing world class hockey Bhubaneswar and two Universities (North players for India. Orissa University, Baripada and Fakirmohan Paradeep Port, a major sea port of India, University at ), Biju Pattnaik adds to the glories and greatness of the Oriyas.

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It had opened the flood gate of sea trade and time they can be rebuilt in tune with their prosperity of Orissa. Gopalpur and Dhamra are original architectural style. We have architects, two minor ports of Orissa. sculptors and artisans amongst us. Due Such heritages give the Oriyas self- patronization must be offered to our living respect, pride and self-confidence. These are cultural activities. There is a trend of our valuable possessions. We inherit them and diminishing aesthetic sense amongst us. We we should preserve them well so that we can are fast becoming materialistic and balancing gift them to our future generation. We can utilise everything in the term of money. But the cream our natural heritages for economic and of our culture must be protected irrespective humanitarian benefit. But our natural heritages of its monetary value. Market should be must continue to be unpolluted, undamaged and explored for the art and craft products so that unexploited. It will be suicidal if we try to the artisans can earn their livelihood and their disturb the eco-balance out of greed and artistic skill shall survive. We must protect our mindlessness. Our archaeological as well as heritages for ourselves and for our next some natural heritages can be exposed to generation. Protection of our heritages is our tourism. But utmost care must be taken to naturally inherited responsibility. We must maintain their originality and naturality. We preserve them for our future generation. It is a must preserve our natural features, our flora sacred obligation. and fauna. Necessary care must be taken to protect our archaeological monuments. If Dr. Hemanta Kumart Mohapatra lives at 23, Ekamra damaged in the course of the ravages of the Villa, Jayadev Vihar, Bhubaneswar.

Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik unveiling the statue of Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab at Orissa Legislative Assembly premises on 3.12.2004. Shri Maheswar Mohanty, Hon'ble Speaker, Shri Biswabhusan Harichandan, Minister, Rural Development, Industries & Law and Shri Balabhadra Majhi, Minister, Scheduled Tribes & Scheduled Castes Development (Scheduled Tribes Development) are also present.

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