Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the 13th-century Konark Sun Temple—a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the “Black Pagoda”—the Konark Dance Festival is one of India’s most prestigious cultural events. Held annually from December…
Gajalaxmi Puja (also spelled Gaja Lakshmi Puja) is one of the most magnificent autumn festivals celebrated across Odisha. Beginning on Kumar Purnima—the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvina (typically October)—this festival…
When autumn arrives in Odisha, the historic millennium city of Cuttack transforms into a glittering realm of light, art, and devotion. While Durga Puja is celebrated with fervor across eastern India, Durga Puja in Cuttack…
Chandan Yatra (also known as Gandhalepana Yatra) is the longest-running festival celebrated at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. Spanning 42 continuous days, it begins on the highly auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya (typically late…
Sitalsasthi (or Sital Sasthi) is a grand week-long carnival celebrated with immense fervor in Western Odisha, particularly in the historic city of Sambalpur. Falling on the sixth day (Sasthi) of the bright fortnight of the…