Orissa and its Attraction

Orissa, the most picturesque state in eastern India, is well-known round the globe for its three Ts, i.e., Tribes, Temples and Tigers. It is the land of 62 tribes, including some of the most primitive ones, and is the third tribal concentration in India.

Orissa Tribal Dance

Mostly of Proto Australoid stock, many of the Orissa tribes are high land tribes with rich ethnological character and customs, varying language and dialects. The territory conscious different tribes have long been able to reject the mainland influence and have preserved their social customs, living style and theological values.

Odissi Dance in Orissa

The most primitive among them are Bondas, Gadabas, Koyas, Kondhas and the Sauras. Not much has changed in the lifestyle of the tribes since the day Elwin, the British anthropologist, visited the highlanders in 1943. The unique rituals, shamanism, sacrifices, housing pattern, wall paintings, handicrafts, etc., are still intact to be discovered by curious tourists like you.

The state presents a kaleidoscope of ancient splendor and contemporary expression with its old monuments built by Buddhist, Jain, Hindu and Muslim rulers. It has a glorious history spanning a period of more than 2000 years. It is a treasure land for exquisite temples, superb architecture, sculptors, inviting beaches, enchanting wildlife and natural lush green landscape.

Orissan people share a strong sense of holiness, peace, and tranquility; a sense of belonging with their beautiful mountains, lakes, paddy fields; and their enduring links with the past and spirituality. People of different faiths such as Hindus (Shaivites, Vaishnavites), Jains, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians have lived in total harmony for centuries.

Oriya, its main language, is one of the earliest languages of the Indo-European languages. It is closely related to Sanskrit and Pali language, language of Buddha. It has its own unique Oriya script.

The present Orissa population is 37 million, scattered in an area of 156,000 sq.km. On the east, 300 miles (482 km) of gentle coastline are open to the Bay of Bengal, while the western borders are sealed by the high hills and mountains of the Eastern Ghats. Orissa is home to three mighty rivers and to the largest brackish water Lake Chilika in Asia.