sign in sign up
<<
Home , Chhena, Chhena Poda, Deomali (mountain), Kalinga architecture, Kanjia Lake, Kolab Dam

UNRAVELLED 1 ODISHA UNRAVELLED

JULY 2021 ISSUE 8 A Newsletter by Department of Tourism,

Mahendragiri, Gajapati

COVID-19: Impact on the Throttle up for a Monsoon From Golden Triangle to State Tourism Sector Escapade Diamond Triangle Page : 07 Page : 12 Page : 18 2 ODISHA UNRAVELLED

ROAD TO

EDITORIAL ODISHA TEAM UNRAVELLED A Newsletter by Department of Tourism, Vishal Kumar Dev, IAS Government of Odisha Principal Secretary to Government

Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, IAS Director & Additional Secretary to Government

Content and Design Project Mangement Unit ODISHA UNRAVELLED 3

FOREWORD

 JYOTI PRAKASH PANIGRAHI Minister of State (IC) for Tourism and , Literature & Culture

he travel and tour- economy for the future. ism industry had started recuperat- With the daily case load ing from the first declining steadily, there is waveT of the pandemic when a reason to be optimistic. the lockdown during the Foreseeing an ease in Cov- summers and Cyclone Yaas id-19 restrictions, thanks to brought a major setback. the mass vaccination drive being efficiently conduct- After the unexpected chal- ed by the Government, Od- lenges posed by the second isha Tourism has initiated a wave of Covid-19, it’s a given phase wise strategic inoc- that everyone is hoping for ulation drive for the travel a quick revival of the sector. and tourism stakeholders of This crisis is a call to action the State to ensure Odisha for us to build a stronger is ready to receive guests and a more resilient tourism and tourists. 4 ODISHA UNRAVELLED

EDITOR’S NOTE

 VISHAL DEV, IAS Prinicipal Secretary, Tourism, Sports & Youth Services

s the pandemic able creation of new tourism continues to evolve, products like river cruise, De- we are drawing partment of Tourism is work- insights from the ing towards refurbishing the setbacksA to formulate our existing catamarans and op- strategy for the new normal. It erate it as cruise vessels in Bh- has highlighted the need for itarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary an integrated development through a renowned operator. of the State’s tourism sector that’s self-sustainable and We have also introduced the supports wider economic re- Odisha Homestay Establish- covery. ment Scheme 2021 to enable Driven by Chief Minister’s creation of immersive tourism vision of establishing Odis- experiences through opera- ha as a tourism hub of glob- tionalisation of homestays at al standards, we are actively unexplored bio-diverse desti- working on infrastructure de- nations with rich culture while velopment through integrat- boosting local entrepreneur- ed master planning of 17 iden- ship and augmenting rural tified priority destinations.livelihoods. Anticipating the Simultaneously, survey of in- ease of travel restrictions, we vestible tourism landbank is are taking focused strides to being carried out to develop ensure Odisha presents a safe both existing and unexplored and experientially rich tourism tourism destinations. To en- ecosystem to welcome you! ODISHA UNRAVELLED 5

WATER-BASED RECREATION NOW IN MIGHTY Silver City Boat Club re-launched with complete overhaul

nature’s treasure trove, river will help in establishing Odisha is home to Odisha as a sought-after tour- A some of the unexploit- ism destination.” ed water bodies on earth. Prime The infrastructure at this Boat among them is river Mahanadi Club, adversely impacted by - the lifeline of our State. Apart , has been upgrad- from fuelling Odisha’s econo- ed to include a floating jetty, my and agriculture, it also pre- booking counter and complex facilities on a user sents a vast potential to offer for lifeguards, toilet facilities, fee model. Currently, two tourists some of the best wa- a restaurant, adequate park- operators have started ter-based recreation and sport- ing space and a park with chil- operations and steps are being ing activities. dren’s play area. The infrastruc- taken for engagement of In a bid to develop wa- ture will be further augmented additional operators over next ter-based tourism in Odis- in phases. few months. ha, Department of Tourism Tourism Minister Shri Jyoti The efforts made by Odisha through OTDC overhauled the Prakash Panigrahi in his inau- Tourism and OTDC for bringing Silver City Boat Club at gural address said, “This project in a new wave of water-based with an investment of approx. comes with basic infrastruc- recreation was recognised and Rs 2 crore and relaunched it on ture to support multiple Water appreciated by dignitaries like 14 April 2021. Sports operators and promote Hon’ble MP () Shri Inaugurating the Boat Club, water-based tourism offerings Bhatruhari Mohatab, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Naveen Pat- in Cuttack and nearby districts.” MP (Rajya Sabha) Shri Subas naik in his virtual address em- The activities to be Singh, Hon’ble MLA Shri Sou- phasised on the need to estab- operationalised in the Boat vik Biswal and former MLA Shri lish Odisha as a tourism hub of Club include Jet Skis, Speed Debasis Samantaray during global standards driven by sus- Boats, Day Cruise, Banana the inaugural event. tainable livelihood strategies. Boat, Inflatable Boat, Water Principal Secretary Tourism He said, “To tap into the State’s Scooters, Floating café, Shri Vishal Kumar Dev, Chair- tourism potential incorporat- Kayaking, Canoeing, Pedal person OTDC Smt. Shreemayee ing water bodies, we are rapidly Boats, Scuba Diving, etc. OTDC Mishra, Director Tourism Shri developing tourism and hospi- will operate and manage the Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav tality infrastructure in identi- boat club, where operators and Collector, Cuttack Shri fied areas. This recreational of- will be allowed to use the Bhabani Shankar Chayani were fering in the mighty Mahanadi common infrastructure and also present during the event. 6 ODISHA UNRAVELLED

JAB TO REVIVE TOURISM

Vaccination drive for the Hospitality Sector

“Odisha Government is taking active t is well-known that Odi- steps towards making the industry in association with Bhubane- sha has a stellar record in future-proof by initiating a mass vacci- swar Municipal Corporation Imanaging disruptive events nation drive. It involves inoculating the (BMC) organised a vaccination and this has only been possible tourism stakeholders, employees in drive for hotel workers and oth- due to the strength and resil- restaurant, hotels, food delivery servic- er stakeholders of Hospitality ience shown by the stakehold- es, etc. The hospitality industry is work- Sector on 9 May 2021 at OSAP ers working in travel and tour- 7th Battalion High School in ing on the frontline with many hotels ism industry. The sector was . having turned into quarantine centres on road to recovery when the second wave of Covid-19 hit the and restaurants providing doorstep The initiative was launched in State. food delivery services. Through this coordination with Hotels and To revive the severely im- initiative, we not only aim to get these Restaurant Association of Odi- pacted industry, Government frontline workers vaccinated but also sha (HRAO). Around 1,000 per- of Odisha is taking proactive make the hospitality sector ready for sons took the jab during this measures to get the stakehold- arrival of guests once the Covid-19 two-day vaccination drive. ers of the sector inoculated. In restrictions are eased” the first phase, Odisha Tourism - Shri Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi, Minister of State (IC), Tourism. ODISHA UNRAVELLED 7

COVID-19: IMPACT ON THE STATE TOURISM SECTOR

Virtual Roundtable by FICCI for tourism and hospitality stakeholders of the State

he pandemic took a turn for the worse Principal Secretary Tourism Shri Vishal within a span of few months in the deliberated on both the short-term and long- Tfirst half of 2021. The travel & tourism term plan to revive the State’s tourism sector. industry had just started recuperating when He said, “We are actively working towards the second wave of Covid-19 hit, and it not promoting road trips with itineraries that help only hit the sector hard, but also brought travellers explore beaches, forests, wildlife, and forth immense tragedy. To deliberate on the other unseen destinations of high tourism impact Covid-19 has had on the State’s tourism potential in our State. Plans are afoot to scale up sector, the Federation of Indian Chambers Eco-retreat Odisha to cover more destinations of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Odisha for swift revival of tourism sector. For the Council held a virtual roundtable on ‘COVID-19: long term, we are developing infrastructure Impact on the State Tourism Sector’ with the in a very planned and integrated way which officials of Odisha Tourism and other tourism includes preparing a master plan for 17 priority stakeholders of the State on 12 June 2021. destinations. Our infrastructure development In her welcome address, Chairperson of FICCI budget for this year has been doubled.” Odisha State Council and MD of Sambad Group Shri Dev also recognised FICCI Odisha State Smt. Monica Nayyar Patnaik lauded the efforts Council’s constructive partnership with the of Odisha Government for risk mitigation government on various issues including the initiatives taken during cyclone Yaas which supply of oxygen. recently hit the State. Appreciating the proactive measures taken During the online discussion, Tourism by Odisha Government during times of Minister Shri Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi shed adversity Co-Chair, FICCI Tourism National light on the work being undertaken towards Committee and CMD, Swosti Group Shri JK developing sustainable tourism with efficient Mohanty said “The Odisha government has risk management mechanism. Echoing the always swung into action. Most of our (the Chief Minister’s vision of putting Odisha in industry’s) demands have been considered the global tourism map he said, “The budget and taken up at the highest level.” for tourism sector has been increased from The roundtable discussion saw active 300 crore to 1500 crore for this year. Let us participation from tourism and hospitality collectively reaffirm our commitment to industry stakeholders like Shri SK Dash, preserve, power and promote all aspects of Director, Trip Process Pvt Ltd, Shri Vishal Kamat, tourism and hospitality and make it socially CEO, Kamat Group of Hotels, Shri Sanjib Kumar and economically sustainable”. Rout, FICCI Member and Founder President, CV Raman Global University, among others.

Satkosia Gorge 8 ODISHA UNRAVELLED

PITHA HITS THE ROAD AMID RESTRICTIONS OTDC launches ‘-on-Wheels’ to keep the Raja spirit alive during lockdown

espite the second wave of Covid-19 putting a dampener on an otherwise extensive 3-day celebration of Odia festival Raja, OTDC’s initiative ‘Pitha-on-Wheels’ kept the festive spirit Dalive. The Raja Utsav 2021 saw mobile Pitha delivery vehicles stationed at Master Canteen Square, Khandagiri, CRP, Patia, Chandrasekharpur and Rupali Square in Bhubaneswar. An assortment of the season’s staple sweetmeats like poda pitha, manda, kakara, arisa, chakuli and chandrakala were available for takeaway between 7 am to 11 pm from June 14 to 16.

Launching the innovative initiative OTDC Chairperson Smt. Shreemayee Mishra said, “Every year OTDC makes special arrangements with all varieties of and swings. However, this year it will be a bit different. OTDC has made all the arrangements for people to celebrate Raja amid Covid-19 guidelines”.

Takeaway services were also made available at OTDC counters in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and during the three-day festival. ODISHA UNRAVELLED 9

RAGHURAJPUR GEARS UP ARTISTICALLY TO WELCOME TOURISTS POST LOCKDOWN

A unique competition leads to complete makeover of Odisha’s craft village

he quaint heritage art village, nestled about 10 km way from the pilgrim city , underwent Tan artistic makeover as part of a unique com- petition. Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi, in collaboration PADMASHRI with the State Culture Department organised a tra- ditional Mural Camp incorporating at Ra- Lalit Kala Akademi ghurajpur from June 9 to June 13, 2021.

The pandemic induced lockdown had drawn curtains on the artists’ livelihood opportunities. As many as 150 A remuneration of INR 10,000 was pro- artisans participated in this 5-day competition turn- “vided by the Akademi to each family ing the walls and façade of their homes into canvases that participated in the competition and for murals, making the competition a successful at- five best artworks would be selected for tempt to revive the arts village and artistically ready special awards” to welcome tourists once travel restrictions are eased. 10 ODISHA UNRAVELLED

Pinning hopes on Covid-19 vaccine, Odisha’s UNLOCKING travel and tourism industry is gearing up to welcome tourists. With sustainability becoming the buzz word, Department of NICHE TRAVEL Tourism is taking strategic steps to diversify niche tourism experiences in locations rich in EXPERIENCES culture, heritage and biodiversity.

Tampara Lake Chitrakonda Nature Camp, Malkangiri

Water-based Recreation: vation, Odisha Tourism recently introduced the Odisha Homestay Establishment Scheme 2021. Blessed with some of the most picturesque lakes, Through this scheme, homestays are envisaged wetlands and rivers, Odisha presents tremendous to be established near biodiverse and heitage rich potential in providing water-based recreation destinations untouched by the hotel networks and adventure activities. Apart from the Tampa- through which travellers can get unique cultural ra Lakefront Project that was launched early this experiences in hospitality, cuisine and other local year, the Silver City Boat Club in river Mahanadi in ways of life while staying in local family homes. Cuttack was upgraded and relaunched. Both the projects have been developed to provide recrea- tion facilities and include water sports like kayaks, jet skis, banana boats, etc. Cruise Tourism is an- other niche water-based recreation project Odis- ha is working on. An agency has been finalised to refurbish the existing catamarans and operate as cruise vessels in the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanc- tuary. Besides, to provide safe options for wa- ter-based transportation for tourists and general populace in Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika, Department of Tourism is working on in- troducing a scheme to upgrade the existing tra- ditional/wooden tourist carrying boats operating at the Lake to IR Class compliant FRP boats.

Immersive Homestay Experience:

With the corporate work culture undergoing a paradigm shift enabling people to work remote- ly, tourists are now opting to stay longer and ex- plore a single destination rather than scramble to visit multiple locations within the travel peri- od. Understanding that sustainability is the main phenomenon of such slow travel with respect Habalikhati Nature Camp, Bhitarkanika to local communities and environment preser- ODISHA UNRAVELLED 11

Road to Dhauli Tikarpada Nature Camp

Road Trips to Hinterlands: Sustainable development of priority destina- tions: At a time when air travel and public transport are taking the backseat, going on road trips has With a plan to introduce new, innovative and become a preferred choice to travel and explore more niche tourism experiences, infrastructure tourism destinations. Odisha Tourism’s cam- development guided by integrated master paign ‘Odisha by Road’, which was launched planning of 17 identified priority destinations last year, offers exciting itineraries that makes in the state has begun. Department of Tourism use of the State’s excellent road networks con- recently floated RFPs inviting suitable archi- necting neighbouring States to Odisha’s hin- tecture firms for sustainable development of terlands. After the successful first run that en- destinations like Chilika, Satkosia and Hirakud abled road trippers to discover State’s treasures among others. Besides, to establish Odisha as by road, the department is currently working a sought-after beach destination in , five on introducing new road trip itineraries that’ll beach stretches including Pir Jahania, Niladri take travellers off the beaten track to explore and Muhan in Puri and Ganjam’s Haripur and unseen tourism destinations in the State. If Pati Sonapur are to be developed to match in- you’re planning to embark on a road trip, vis- ternational standards and aim for the coveted it odishatourism.gov.in and browse through Blue Flag certification by FEE . exciting road trip itineraries to help you make your decision.

Boosting Ecotourism:

With the pandemic evoking people’s conscious- ness towards conservation of environment and wildlife, ecotourism has started gaining ground Armed with vaccine certificates, people amongst avid travellers. Home to one National “would be itching to travel after months of Park, one Biosphere reserve, India’s 2nd largest leading a sedentary lifestyle. But unlike the mangrove ecosystem and several wildlife sanc- pre-covid tourism scene, the post-pandem- tuaries, Odisha boasts of places where nature ic era will see people gravitating towards has not been rearranged by human hands. nature-driven niche and immersive travel With travellers exploring off-beat experienc- experiences. Niche tourism will trump mass es like birding, wildlife safari, trekking, etc., the tourism in the post-pandemic world” State Government has undertaken works to double the room capacity of the existing 47 Eco SHRI VISHAL DEV, IAS tour nature camps. To further augment accom- Principal Secretary, Tourism modation facility, eco-friendly structures like eco-cottages in protected areas are also being developed. 12 ODISHA UNRAVELLED

THROTTLE UP FOR A MONSOON ESCAPADE Embark on a refreshing road trip across the in

Mountain Peak -

Mountain Peak - Deomali Duduma Waterfall

Mountain Peak - Deomali

Deomali Hills ODISHA UNRAVELLED 13

Upper

t is said that monsoons in the Duduma and Rani Duduma. valleys are incredibly beauti- You can even visit Gupteswar Iful. For an avid road tripper, – a temple nestled on a lush witnessing the misty clouds green hill that enshrines a huge pour magic over nature is like ‘lingam’. Located just 80 km watching dreams come true. from Koraput, it is believed that With the hills covered in lush Lord passed through this greenery, downpour making heavily wooded valley on his Tribe a soft sound and abundant way to Panchabati in Danda- freshness all around, a drive to karanya. For those looking for a Koraput makes for an ultimate slice of ethnic life, head for a vis- monsoon getaway from the it to the villages of the Dhuruba cities. You can start from Bhu- and Gadaba tribes. One of the baneswar or from Visakhapat- indigenous tribes are the Bon- nam via the Araku Valley. das who are famous for their jewellery, ornaments and their Koraput is a nature’s para- body stature. Visit the weekly dise adorned with thick for- market Onukadelli to interact ests, magnificent mountains with them if you’re nearby on Explore beaches, forests, wildlife, and steep waterfalls. Reaching a Thursday. You can also meet waterbodies, hill stations and for Deomali, Odisha’s highest the Didayi tribes in this market. much more in Odisha by road. mountain range in the East- If you plan to embark on this ern Ghats, is like taking a walk road trip, visit odishatourism. Visit odishatourism.gov.in among the clouds. Further, gov.in for a detailed itinerary for detailed road-trip itineraries. you can trek to numerous pic- curated to explore Odisha By turesque waterfalls like Gulmi, Road.

Passionate about EXPLORING ODISHA?

Send in your blog entries to [email protected] and we’ll feature the BEST ONE in our Newsletter !!!

Love to blog about interesting places and unseen destinations? Here’s your chance to get featured with us . 14 ODISHA UNRAVELLED

NANDANKANAN ZOOLOGICAL PARK

A pioneer in breeding many endangered SHRI SHASHI PAUL, IFS

wildlife species Addl. PCCF(WL) & CWLW, Odisha

HISTORY OF NANDANKANAN

andankanan Biological Park has a new Biological Park named “Nandankanan” very interesting beginning. Few wild which literally means the heavenly ‘Garden N animals from different parts of the of God’. Subsequently in the year 1963, a state were sent for the World Agricultural Botanical Garden came up adjoining the Fair organized in in1960. After the park on the other side of . The end of the fair, the animals were brought Nandankanan Zoological Park together with back to the State the same year, which were the Kanjia lake and State Botanical Garden housed near Khandagiri hills and exhibited spread over an area of 4.37 sq.km was to the people. To mitigate the water scarcity declared as Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary and associated management issues there, and notified on 3rd August, 1979. Gradually the then Chief Minister Dr. Hare Krushna many facilities like Toy train, Aquarium, Mahatab and the Minister for Development Electronic entry gate, Battery operated Dr. along with senior Forest vehicles, Boating, RO drinking water kiosk, officials decided to establish a Zoo on the Interpretation centre, Zoo museum, Safaris, bank of Kanjia lake. On 29th December, 1960, live feed rearing centre etc. were added and/ Sri S.K. Patil, the then Minister of Food and or renovated for better animal and visitor Agriculture, Govt. of India inaugurated the management in due course. ODISHA UNRAVELLED 15

NANDANKANAN – THE ZOO

ver the years, importance by the Ministry monitoring movement and Nandankanan of Environment, Forests and survival of 13 gharial released Ohas emerged as a Climate Change, Government in river Mahanadi through prominent and vibrant centre of India in the year 2006 for its biotelemetry. It has the for biodiversity conservation rich bio-diversity and its role in distinction in captive breeding and environmental education. wetland education. Moreover, of all three crocodilian species It has spearheaded many Nandankanan Sanctuary acts found in the country. The zoo is significant improvements to as lungs of the State’s capital coordinating for conservation provide highest standards city Bhubaneswar. and breeding of Indian in housing, husbandry and pangolin and is a participating health care to the animals Nandankanan has been very zoo for mouse deer, tiger and and contributed inter-alia popular among the tourists long billed vulture. Besides towards enriching everyone’s and local people and attracts the conservation breeding knowledge on the biology more than 3 million visitors programme, the zoo has of endangered species. It every year. Many visitors, been breeding a variety of gradually evolved in to a especially school students find endangered animal every year. large and premier zoo and it fascinating to watch some In addition to conservation became the first zoo of the of the enigmatic animals like breeding, these programmes country to be a member of White tigers, Lions, Giraffe, help to better understand the World Association of Zoos and Chimpanzee, Hippopotamus, biology, captive management Aquariums (WAZA) in 2009. Capuchin, Bears, , etc. and health care practices of Nandankanan epitomizes A mission of conservation and endangered species. Research the unique integration of in- education is carefully woven at Nandankanan Biological situ and ex-situ conservation into curating exciting visitor Park has contributed to initiatives, which can be seen experience that also serves publication of more than 500 only in a few places of our as enjoyable recreational research papers and 9 books country. The sprawling zoo opportunity for families, school on in-situ and ex-situ wildlife houses 160 species of animals groups, residents and tourists. management. Moreover, including amphibians, reptiles, Nandankanan Biological Park birds and mammals. The Nandankanan is pioneer in is not only a Zoo but it is a natural areas adjoining the breeding many endangered centre of excellence in the enclosure, is home to rich species viz. gharial, Indian field of conservation breeding flora and fauna and free-living pangolin, ratel to name a few. of endangered species and biodiversity. Kanjia lake, a More than 850 gharials have its rehabilitation in nature perennial water body with area been released in the Mahanadi under species recovery coverage of 66 ha is the main river system to repopulate the programme. Apart from this, it water source for the Zoo and nature since the first captive acts as a magnificent hub for Botanical Garden that has been breeding of gharial in 1980. motivation and awareness to listed as a Wetland of National From 2019, Nandankanan is conserve nature and wildlife. 16 ODISHA UNRAVELLED DO YOU KNOW WHAT MAKES NANDANKANAN UNIQUE!

• First zoo in the country to become an Insti- • It is the first zoo in the world where melanis- tutional member of the World Association tic tigers were born (2014) and displayed to of Zoos & Aquarium (WAZA), the global al- the visitors. liance of regional associations, national fed- • Nandankanan has the largest enclosure to erations, zoos and aquariums, dedicated to house Gharials and Hippopotamus in the the care and conservation of animals and country. their habitats around the world. • It is the host zoo for white tigers. White ti- • The first white tiger safari of the country was gers were born from normal coloured par- established at Nandankanan on 1st October, ents in 1980, a unique event in the world. 1991. Presently the zoo has four safaris. Other • First zoo in the country after which an ex- three are Lion Safari, Bear Safari and Herbi- press train 12815/12816 Puri-New Delhi Ex- vore Safari. press has been named - “Nandankanan Ex- • Kanjia Lake as a main water source is the press”. lifeline for both Nandankanan Zoological • The wilderness area is a breeding ground for Park and State Botanical Garden. It was de- Asian Openbill Stork, making it the second clared a wetland of National Importance in largest heronry of the State. 2006. • The zoo has its own Fodder Farm, Live Feed • The zoo is a coordinating zoo for conserva- Rearing Centre and Slaughterhouse to be- tion breeding programme of Indian Pango- come self-sustaining in catering to the die- lin and participating zoo for conservation tary needs of animals housed in the Zoolog- breeding of Long-billed vultures, Tiger and ical Park. mouse deer. • The zoo is a wonderful site for wildlife con- • First Zoo in the country where endangered servation and education where one can ex- Gharials (1980) and Ratel (2012) were born in perience integration of ex-situ and in-situ captivity. conservation of wild fauna and flora.

PC: Rajesh Kumar Mohapatra, Milan Kumar Panda and Amit Jana ODISHA UNRAVELLED 17

8 YEARS INTO EXPLORING ODISHA: INDIA’S BEST KEPT SECRET

No matter how stressful we might be, we can just walk into nature to get ourselves healed. KHUSBOO KR SINGH

t the age of 5 when I accompanied my I travelled as it gave me respite from the monoto- grandmothers to offer at Lord Jagan- nous work routine. The majestic waterfall of Koili- Anath’s temple in Puri, little did I know that ghughar in , in after 16 years I will get an opportunity to come and Khandadhar in Sundargarh helped me in back again to Odisha for my higher studies. As a connecting with my inner self and reminding the native from raised in , it was for the fact that no matter how stressful we might be, we first time when I got a chance to experience the can just walk into nature to get ourselves healed. culture, people and vibe of a state well known as More than my Odia friends, the gupchupwala India’s best kept secret. My journey started from bhaina, the paribawala as well as the autowala Dhenkanal, a princely state in Odisha where my bhaina ensured that I pick up the classical lan- alma mater, Indian Institute of Mass Communi- guage pretty fast. And every time I spoke to them cation is located. Meeting the simple, god loving, in my non-Odia accent, a beaming smile spread honest and religious people was a heart-warm- across their face and it was a rewarding feeling. ing experience. I loved every corner of this quaint Over the years I witnessed the devastating cy- town nestled in a natural landscape. Visiting the clones like Phailin, Hudhud, Titli and Fani that di- nearby temples and tourist attraction spots every rectly affected the state and I was amazed to learn weekend after a grilling week of studying was a re- from the resilience of common people and the ligious affair. Needless to say, it became a medita- disaster management preparedness of the State. tive experience. Today, not only India but even the United Na- tions has lauded the mettle of Odisha for effec- tive management of disaster. Despite facing such natural calamities, I have witnessed the state standing tall, becoming stronger and re- silient and carrying on with their daily lives. I can proudly say that my 8 years of stay in Od- isha has transformed me into a strong-willed woman with infinite faith in almighty and an indomitable spirit to face any adversities in life. Today, while working for a slow & sustainable Australian fashion brand Ecoloom Pty Ltd, I am still connected to Odisha as I work with Odia artisans who weave natural fabrics and make handmade utility items.

As I look back, I feel I can go on writing about It seemed 10 months passed in a blink and I was several anecdotes that will not be enough to elab- posted in TOI Jaipur as an intern, but somehow, orate my gratitude to the state and its people. I destiny again brought me back to Odisha as I got feel every place I have visited here has given me a my first job as a Reporter in Odisha’s fortnightly family to whom I can return to at any point in my magazine My Citylinks in the capital city Bhubane- life. I plan to come once a year to visit the Lord of swar. From 2012 to 2019 I worked as an executive Lords at his abode in Puri and pray to be able to reporter, blogger, visiting faculty at NIFT, voice over give back to the state with the best of my capac- artist, senior copy writer and an author. It was dur- ities in the days to come. Till then Jai ! ing this period, I was blessed with friends like fam- ily, a rewarding career and an opportunity to work Khusboo Kr. Singh is co founder of Ecoloom Pty Ltd., an with top notch multinational organizations. Australian sustainable fashion brand. She has stayed in Odisha for 8 years during the initial phase of her career 18 ODISHA UNRAVELLED

FROM GOLDEN TRIANGLE TO DIAMOND TRIANGLE

JITU MISHRA Buddhist Odisha – An Architectural Odyssey

he golden triangle of Odisha is widely known Tfor its majestic Kalinga temples. The temples of Od- isha are amongst the finest specimens of religious art and architecture in India. However, very few know that Odisha is blessed with yet another her- itage triangle, the diamond triangle, an incredible Bud- dhist cluster from the time of the Mauryas in the 3rd century BCE. The Buddhist civilisation of Odisha continued to flourish even after Buddhism had de- clined in the rest of India. It may be mentioned here that Buddha Purnima, a festi- 26th May. heritage of these hills. Howev- val commemorating the birth The diamond triangle of Odi- er, 4 years of intense archaeo- of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, sha consists of three clusters of logical excavations in the 1950s is popular at weaving clusters hills in and Kendrapada opened up an incredible treas- of Maniabandha and Nuapat- Districts, namely Ratnagiri, Lal- ure of Buddhist stupas, deities na villages in the Cuttack Dis- itgiri and Udayagiri. They are and monasteries at Ratnagiri, trict as these weavers here are located at a distance of 90 km followed by similar discoveries the only traditional Buddhists from Bhubaneswar. through excavations at left in India. This year Buddha Until the 1950s, not much and Udayagiri by the Archaeo- Purnima was celebrated on was known about the Buddhist logical Survey of India. Ratnagiri, a Mahayana Bud- dhist site was a celebrated cen- tre for learning philosophy and theology. The monasteries at Ratnagiri is the biggest among all historical monasteries of In- dia (in the 1st millennium CE) filled with double storied mo- nastic cells, a central shrine, numerous deities of Mahayana and Vajrayana pantheons and a chlorite schist gateway, an ar- chitectural splendour. Carved with minute details depict- ing various human characters the gateway is a visual treat to the eyes. Ratnagiri is also the site where found a staggering ODISHA UNRAVELLED 19

of red bricks, the Buddhist temple from the Hinayana Pe- riod. The Buddhist trail in Odis- ha is incomplete without vis- iting the rock-cut elephant at Dhauli, close to Bhubaneswar and the famous battle site of Kalinga. Located on the bank of River Daya, the forepart of the elephant is carved out of a living rock above the edicts of Emperor Ashoka. It is one of the earliest specimens of Buddhist art symbolizing Lord Buddha’s birth from the womb of his mother. Of late the excavations at Langudi Hill near the diamond triangle have unfolded various mysteries. Panels of stupas and rock-cut Buddhist deities from the Mahayana and Vajrayana Period and a stupa from the period of Emperor Ashoka are the major attraction at Langu- di Hill. An inscription found at Langudi suggests that the site was an important established at the time of Ashoka. Archae- ologists working on Buddhist sites of Odisha have speculat- ed that the Langudi along with Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalit- giri once constituted a major university in the lines of Taxila number of votive stupas, which entire area is filled with isolat- and Nalanda. The university were offered to dead theras ed remains of Buddhist relics was known as Puspagiri and it and the resident monks after in the form of monastic ruin, was referred to by the Chinese their death. The large concen- sculptures and caves. monk pilgrim, Huen Tsang in tration of votive stupas at Rat- Lalitgiri is the oldest site in the 7th century CE. nagiri rank next to Bodhgaya, the triangle and has flourished The Buddhist heritage of the holiest Buddhist site in the for the longest duration. On the Odisha is unparalleled in en- world. top of Lalitgiri Hill is located the tire India mainly because of Ratnagiri also has a site mu- excavated remains of the maha its architectural diversity. One seum exhibiting the archaeo- stupa. From here one can have also finds here all branches of logical remains of the hill. a sweeping view of the coun- Buddhism, the Hinayana, the Udayagiri is the largest Bud- tryside and transported back Mahayana and the Vajrayana. dhist site in the triangle over- to an era of intense Buddhist It is believed that Vajrayana looking a river of - civilisation. The maha stupa of Buddhism was founded here ni – Chitrotpala river delta in Lalitgiri has a prized distinction by King Indrabhuti, which later coastal Odisha. Excavations at in the entire Buddhist world. In spread to Tibet. the foothill of the Assia range the late 1980s when excavation For a traveller having an have unearthed a treasure of was carried out here, archaeol- interest in heritage, Odisha Vajrayana deities, two large ogists discovered a relic casket undoubtedly forms a kalei- monasteries, an apsidal tem- of Lord Buddha, the only of its doscope of Buddhist architec- ple and the only of its kind kind in Odisha and the eastern tural odyssey. Vajrayana stupa. The loca- coast of India. It is now being tion of Udayagiri is dramatic displayed at the site museum. Jitu Mishra is an Archeologist and Co-Founder of Sarna Educational and set against the backdrop of a Another attraction of Lalitgiri is Cultural Services LLP honeycombed mountain. The the apsidal chaitagriha made 20 ODISHA UNRAVELLED

GANGESWARI TEMPLE: AN ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL THAT RESEMBLES THE SUN TEMPLE Built around 13th century, the temple is a fine specimen of Odishan architecture and culture Sourav Ku. Dash

angeswari Temple, located at an old scenic vil- – female form of Baraha- one of the “Saptmatrika” lage of Bayalish near Gop () sucking blood from a bowl signifies it. G is a temple rich for its old Kalinga architecture style, built around 13th century during the reign of ’s chief architect, Sibei Samantaray Mahapatra, the . To encourage tourism & belonged to this village and it is here that the 1,200 let people know about its physical existence, mea- craftsmen, engineers and supervisors of Konark sures have been taken by ASI to conserve and pro- stayed whilst making their plans for constructing the tect and make people aware of its rich culture and sun temple. It is also said that much of the masonry architectural value for the temple’s architectural style for Konark was transported via log rafts on the near- holds an uncanny resemblance to the present stand- by Patharabuha river. Adjacent to Gangeswari Temple ing remains of the UNESCO World Heritage Site – the is a large pond. It is what now remains of the silted majestic Sun Temple, KONARK. up and blocked Patharabuha river that perhaps act- ed as a major artery once for the construction of the The temple is a fine representation of ‘Pancharatha’ great . The temple is a small one, style of Kalingan architecture. The deity being wor- but its association with Odisha’s rich cultural heritage shipped in the sanctum is Goddess Gangeswari, the depicted architecturally, indeed attracts eyes. People Ista (family deity) of the rulers. The temple is visiting the temple and its surrounding can feel the constructed of sandstone, built in Khakra style, con- construction era of Odishan architects and their sym- sisting of a Jagamohan, (Entrance porch) and having a bolical significance that gave birth to one of the ar- foundation of Laterite stone. chitectural masterpieces – KONARK. The ruins of the carvings are still able to tell stories of bygone eras. Tantra was being practised there, the charismatic idol The ancient monument still holds its head high as a of Maa Gangeswari at the sanctum and “Barahi Devi” symbol of pride of Odishan architecture & Culture. ODISHA UNRAVELLED 21

Sourav Ku. Dash is Founder of Vermine Architects, Puri 22 ODISHA UNRAVELLED

CHHENAPODA This lip-smacking sweet with a distinct smoky flavour is Lord Jagannath’s favourite. CHEF MICHAEL

hhenapoda originated in the Odia town the “Chappan Bhog” offered at the Puri Jagan- of Nayagarh in the first half of the twen- nath temple. Demand and sale of Chhenapoda is Ctieth century. The owner of a sweet shop, huge in Odisha with every sweet shop preparing Sudarshana Sahoo decided to add and sea- its own flavour either from sugar or gud (jaggery). sonings to leftover cottage () one It attracts huge number visitors who grab a bite night and left it in an oven that was still warm and take it home. from earlier use. The next day he was surprised to As a chef whenever I got a chance to create find out what a scrumptious he had cre- something different with this legendary dessert ated. Its “CHHENAPODA” called the Taste of Od- in modern take, I did. During ‘.fest’, an event that isha. Today’s has become Odisha’s celebrate all things Odia, when all the best hotels staple dessert. Chhena means & restaurants got a chance to do something with and Poda means charred. It is not only the best our Odia cuisine, the best pick by all was Choc- dessert of Odisha but an emotion of all Odias. olate Chennapoda. This dish was also the only This lip-smacking sweet with a distinct smoky fla- one picked by Highway on My Plate - The Indian vour is lord Jagannath’s favourite and is among Guide by food connoisseurs Rocky & Mayur.

Here’s how to give a to the legendary dessert of odisha – Chhenapoda.

How to make Chenna Poda Chocolate Chhenapoda Recipe • To begin making chocolate Chhenapoda, Ingredients: first take fresh or homemade • 1 kg paneer (fresh cottage cheese) chhena and mash it well with your hands. • 350grms Sugar • Add sugar, chocolate powder and • 1-1/2 tablespoons dark chocolate compound and mix all • 4 tablespoons Milk together properly. • 150 gm (Sooji / Rava) • Add sooji/rawa, ghee and milk and mix it • 60 gm Drinking Chocolate Powder properly till everything incorporates well. • 50 gm Cashew nuts few broken • In a separate pan, fry the broken pieces • 100 gm milk dark compound chocolate of cashews and add it to the chhena mix Desi ghee for brushing the baking bowl - 8 to 10 diameter as well. round shape baking mould. • Transfer the chhena mix in the baking pan. • Tap the pan to settle the mix well and bake the chhena in a pre-heated oven at 180 degree C for 40-45 mins. To check if it’s done or not, insert a toothpick and see if it comes out clean. • Take out the baked chocolate chhenapoda and cool it for 2 hours approximately. • Hold the pan upside down on a serving tray and remove the Chocolate Chhenapoda carefully. Dust it with sugar powder & serve with chocolate sauce.

Chef Michael has more than 20 years of experience in the and is owner of Michael’s Kitchen, a restaurant in Bhubaneswar, Odisha where he keeps reinventing Odia Cuisine ODISHA UNRAVELLED 23

SPREADING ODISHA’S ART IN THE ‘LAND OF SMILES’ Imparting, propagating and promoting dance in Thailand RITIKA MANDAL

fter gaining 25 years of experience in Odis- Asi, with over 700 stage performances and numerous accolades to my name, the beautiful classical dance form from the land of Lord Jagan- nath took me from the Silver city of Cuttack in Odisha to ‘the Land of Smiles’ – the Kingdom of Thailand. It is in the beau- tiful city of Bangkok where I currently impart knowledge and training on classical dance Odissi, under the Indian Em- bassy in Thailand’s cultural or- ganisation ‘Thai Bharat Cultur- al Ashram’. India & Thailand are two of and . ferent places in Thailand and many countries who share a is known as “Ramakein” in Thai organise workshops. It was common platform in the field which literally means ‘Glory of during this period that I found of language, religion, culture, Rama’. The dance forms might many people getting attract- tradition & beliefs. Even the differ by name, culture and ed to this classical dance form. dance forms here are of two presentation but their theme Though many students are types – Classical & Folk, sub remains the same. already trained in other Indi- divided depending on the re- In my personal view, I have an classical dance forms like gion it originates from. In India, seen a greater number of Bharatnatyam, and Ku- almost all dance concepts de- Thai students (both young & chipudi and perform at various rive their themes from Rama- old) getting attracted to Indi- events, I found many that were yana & Mahabharata. Similarly, an classical dance forms. My fascinated by the costume, in Thailand it is also Ramayana love for Odissi took me to dif- make up, jewellery, dance form and of course my pres- entation. Many people met me and enquired more about Odissi and asked me how their kids can learn this beautiful art. Seeing their eagerness to learn about my land’s art and culture made the decision for me to stay and start imparting, propagating and promoting Odissi dance in Thailand.

Ritika Mandal from Cuttack, Odisha is Faculty Head of Department of and at Thailand Bharat Cultural Organisation in Bangkok, Thailand 24 ODISHA UNRAVELLED

TRAVELLING FURTHER INTO ODISHA, FROM A DISTANCE I knew that Odisha’s art had the ability to transform me, but little did I know about its universal power to heal so many wounded hearts from MAHINA KHANUM afar.

rom Paris to Bhubane- swar, we have dealt with Funpredictable circum- stances due to the Covid-19 pandemic for over a year. Never did I expect that this lockdown will bring forth an opportunity to share my love for Odisha with the audience of , Europe and beyond! As an Odissi dancer, my Gu- rus have taught me the power of imagination, creativity and determination – qualities that saved me and my husband Av- ishai Leger- Tanger who is also my artistic partner and a digital artist. Being used to exploring digital territories, we sought for space and hope, as the world dance choreography shot in Odisha. had suddenly shrunk to our lock virtual reality with dancers of Our landmark online event downed Parisian apartment. Lasyakala Dance Vision at Muk- this year was a virtual tour of During the pandemic, in line teswar Temple in 2017, we creat- Mukteswar Temple in collabo- with our previous work ‘Light- ed a short video using tradition- ration with Detour Odisha. The sofOdisha’ and ‘Raas Leela’ - a al hand gestures (mudras) and tour, designed by Sophia Simon expression (abhinaya). and Sabyasachi Jana, focused The amazing intricacies of on the , Odissi helped us graceful- dance and rituals. Many Euro- ly convey a powerful and pean participants set their first universal safety message. virtual step in to Odisha and The tremendous appreci- were left amazed. Many of them ation of this video from all pledged to visit the temple as around the world left us soon as international travel re- astounded! sumes. Our online Odissi dance Never did I expect to share my classes widened the fron- love for Odisha with so many tiers of our imagination. people. Never did I think I would We collaborated with be able to invite them all to the Smrutiranjan Ojha, a Pat- land that is the centre of my tachitra artist from Bhu- world. I knew that Odisha’s art baneswar, to design vir- had the ability to transform me, tual backgrounds to help but little did I know about its students immerse them- universal power to heal so many selves into the luxuriant wounded hearts from afar. natural beauty and art of Mahina Khanum is Odissi clas- Odisha. My students were sical and Bollywood dancer, extremely moved by the teacher and choreographer opportunity to discover based in France ODISHA UNRAVELLED 25

SCENIC ROUTES OF ODISHA -MALKANGIRI TO CHITRAKONDA

(BALIMELA RESERVOIR)

DEBARPITA MOHAPATRA

he unforeseen circum- This point is also the junction of joys twisties, this is the stretch stances of Covid brought SH 47 and Malkangiri-Balimela for you. Tme back to Odisha and road. If you are coming from gave a chance to explore our Koraput or , then take Balimela Dam was built on beautiful state, which was due the left on SH 25, just after Go- in 1977 with a pur- since long. Being a photogra- vinpali. pose of irrigation and power pher, it has always been a pri- Dense green forest, wide generation jointly by Odisha ority for me to see the unseen. roads, nice tarmac and mini- and govern- Someone has rightly said mal human presence – what ment. Some 20 odd kilometers that the journey is always more else does an explorer need! after Balimela, Odisha state beautiful than the destination. Unhindered flow of the stream, border ends. The scenic route we are talking snaky roads playing hide and about is a mere 50 kilometre seek with dense forests and So, when are you planning to stretch from Malkangiri town cool fresh breeze all around explore this amazing piece of to Chitrakonda or Balime- adds to the experience of a life- #OdishaByRoad la Reservoir. But real beauty time. At many places, natural starts from Nakamamudi, 25 tunnel formed by trees creates Debarpita Mohapatra is a kilometres before Chitrakonda, paradise for photographers. If professional Architect and a where the ghat section begins. you are a rider or driver who en- passionate Photographer 26 ODISHA UNRAVELLED

A SOJOURN IN ENTICING ODISHA

PARVIN DABAS

is benevolence precedes trip to Puri. us. The temple architecture is his popularity, and my The visit to the beach was sim- simply ethereal that speaks of the Hwife Preeti and I were ply breath-taking. The turquoise land’s rich heritage and the faith- drawn towards the call of the waters and clear blue sky were a ful rightly flock here. We returned Lord Jagannath. Apart from the sight to behold. We were lucky after offering our thanks to the Jagannath Dham in Puri that to meet Padmashri Sudarsan holy trinity. It felt like the darshan draws devotees from far cor- Pattnaik who was engrossed in had rid my mind of all troubles ners of the world, the pristine sculpting a sand art on the beach. and I truly had a good night’s beaches beckon the tired souls Taking a stroll, we found that the sleep. for a much-needed respite from beach had been amazingly trans- We started for Bhubaneswar the daily grind. Having heard so formed to resemble a complex the next day where we met with much about it from our friends incorporating a walkway and an our trip organiser friend. After and family, we longed for a visit to amphitheatre. This sparked my having a good lunch on his shoot- Puri. imaginations to hold future Pro ing set, we paid a visit to the Lin- After launching the Pro Panja Panja League matches here – a garaj Temple. The splendid archi- League in February last year, we dream location for sure. Losing tecture and mesmerising beauty wanted to seek the Lord’s bless- track of time, I honestly felt glued left us spellbound. It would not be ings and it seemed our prayers to the place, chilling by the beach. a rhetoric to add that God must were answered through veteran I wanted to stay a bit longer, but have ascended to sculpt the tem- filmmaker and dear friend Pad- every temptation was secondary ple himself. No wonder Bhubane- mashri . He when compared to a visit to the swar is aptly known as the City of was in Bhubaneswar during that Lord’s abode. When we arrived at Temples. time for a film shoot and very the Jagannath Temple, a sense of Parvin Dabas is a Bollywood graciously organised a wonderful peace and tranquillity embalmed Actor, Model and Film Director ODISHA UNRAVELLED 27

Preparations before the annual Ratha Jatra is on full swing. The chariot making process this year began on 13th May with Akshaya Tritiya rituals. This was followed by major ceremonies like Devasnana Purnima (bathing rituals) and . The elaborate preparations and celebrations held prior to the Chariot Festival is truly a sight to behold.

PC: Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) 28 ODISHA UNRAVELLED