About Orissa

The name Orissa is derived from Sanskrit word "Odra Vishaya" or "Odra Desa". The ancient province of "Odra desa" or "Or-desa" was limited to the valley of the Mahanadi and to the lower course of the Subarnarekha River. It comprised the whole of the present districts of Cuttack and Sambalpur and a portion of Midnapore. It was bounded on the West by Gondwana, on the North by the wild hill states of Jashpur and Singhbhum, on the East by the sea and on the South by Ganjam.

The Orissa state, which was once a land of Kings and Kingdoms, now boasts of being rich source of natural resources. Its people, temple architecture, classical dance, religions, fairs and festivals, unique handlooms and handicrafts, green woodlands, rock caves, charming blue hills have always attracted historians, tourists and travelers from all over the world. Its rich history, revolutionary freedom movement, fascinatingly sculptured temples and monuments, tribal life characterized by dance, music, rituals, hunting, gaiety and wild ways have become important topics of research for great historians and scholars.

Orissa History: In a Nutshell

The Territory of Orissa formed a part of the ancient Kalinga of Mahabharata fame. Ashoka, the Mauryan King of Magadh, invaded Kalinga in 261 BC and this event has gone down in history as the Great Kalinga war. Even with lot of resistance from the people of Kalinga and King Priyadarshan, Ashoka won the battle and noted down the descriptions of this Great War in his thirteenth Rock Edict. This bloodshed converted Ashoka’s heart and he took up Buddhism. This became the last war of his life.

Kalinga came into prominence with Kharavela, a great conqueror and patron of Jainism, in the second half of the 1st century B.C. The other great rulers belonged to the Keshari dynasty and the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Flourishing maritime trade with South-East Asian countries i.e. Java, Bornio had brought in a golden era of affluence and opulence and the kingdom spanned from Ganga to Godavari. The Kalinga School of architecture flourished from the 7th to 13th century A.D. The Mukteswar Temple, the Sun Temple at Konark, the Lingaraj Temple and the Jagannath Temple of Puri are known all over the world for their architecture.

There were a number of heroes who were born in Kalinga before and during the British rule like Buxi Jagabandhu, Samudra Gupta and Harsha Siladitya. Budhism reached new heights with Prajna and Hieuen-Tsang, the famous Chinese pilgrim came to the University of Puspagiri and Buddhist complex at Ratnagiri-Lalitgiri-Udayagiri can now be seen speaking about the bygone era. Prophets like Adi Sankaracharya, Ramanujacharya and Sri Chaitanya made Puri the religious center. Jayadev composed his world famous lilting treatise "Gita Govinda". The Bhakti Cult came to Orissa in 16th century and Pancha Sakha i.e. Sri Jagannath Das, Sri Achyutananda Das, Sri Balaram Das, Ananta & Yasobanta were spiritual stalwarts and literary luminaries of the time. Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja , Kabi Surya Baladev Ratha, Radhanath Ray, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Pandit Gopabandhu Dash, Pandit Nilakantha Das, Godabaris Mishra, Kalandi Charan Panigrahi, Sachidananda Routray & many others have contributed substantially to the language & literature of Orissa. Utkal Gaurav Madhusudan Das, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati, Sri Ram Chandra Bhnjadeo, Sri Biswanath Das, Sri Nabakrushna Chowdhury, Dr. Harekrishna Mahatab, Sri Bijayananda Patnaik were the creators of modern Orissa.

Origin of the name of the State

The name of Orissa is derived from the Sanskrit Odra Vishaya or "Odra Desa". Greek writers like Pliny and Ptolemy described the Odra people as Oretes. The Greek Oretes is probably the Sanskrit Odra and the Mount Maleus has been identified with Malayagiri near Pala Lahara. The ancient province of "Odra desa" or "Or-desa" was limited to the valley of the Mahanadi and to the lower course of the Subarnarekha River. It comprised the whole of the present districts of Cuttack and Sambalpur and a portion of Midnapore. It was bounded on the West by Gondwana, on the North by the wild hill states of Jashpur and Singhbhum, on the East by the sea and on the South by Ganjam.

History of the State as an Administrative Unit and changes in its Component Parts

The Gajapati Kings of Orissa ruled over a kingdom in the 15th century AD but the Oriya-speaking central region began a downfall with Vijaynagar coming to prominence in 16th century and Ganjam was conquered. In the early 17th century, the districts north to the river Subarnarekha were annexed to the Bengal Subah of the Mughal Empire and the Marathas. The East India Company had no intention of unifying the Oriya-speaking territories which it had conquered piece by piece. The Oriyas were administered by five separate political authorities, i.e. Bengal and its Orissa Division, Chota Nagpur, the Central Provinces, Madras and the Garhjat Mahals of feudatory states of Orissa.

The formation of the linguistic province of Orissa in 1936 may be regarded as one of the landmarks in the history of the evolution of the Indian Union and after the 'Na Anka' famine of 1866. Raja Baikunthanath Dey of Baleshwar and Bichitrananda Das and the 'Ganjam Utkal Hitabadini Sabha' with the Raja of Kalinga, Venkates Beu greatly advocated the amalgamation of united Orissa. On the 28th November, 1874, there was a vast congregation of all the Rajas, Zamindars, met and finally in July 1877 'Utkal Sabha' was formed under the leadership of Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das. Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das, Biswanath Kar, Nanda Kishore Bal and Gopal Chandra Praharaj met the eminent British officers and submitted memorandums to unite Orissa. The Utkal Union Conference at Cuttack on the 30th December, 1903 under the leadership of Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das played the most significant role for the amalgamation of the Oriya-speaking areas. Besides the Utkal Union Conference, the Oriya Peoples' Association, the Balasore National Conference, the Udit Club of Singhbhum, the Utkal Milan Samaja and the Utkal Hitaisini Samaja of Ganjam also played leading roles for the union of the Oriya-speaking areas. A counter movement called the Ganjam Defence League was organized by the Telugus in Ganjam to oppose the Oriya movement.

In 1917 the Montagu-Chelmsford Commission visited India on the subject of self-Government and its report recognized the need for an administrative union of the Oriya-speaking people and recommended for a sub-province for the Oriyas. On the 20th February, 1920 Satchidananda Sinha and A.B. Latthe, supported by Brajasundar Das, moved a resolution in the imperial Council for the amalgamation of the Oriya-speaking tracts. On the 25th November, 1921, Viswanath Kar and Sasibhusan Rath moved resolutions of separate Orissa province. C.L. Philip and A.C. Duff Commission made positive remarks about Orissa. The report of the Simon Commission, under the Chairmanship of the Sir John Simon, led to the summoning of the Round Table Conference. Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Dev, the Maharaja of Paralakhemundi represented Orissa in the Conference. The Orissa Boundary Commission was appointed with D’Donnell as the Chairman. The Committee examined the claims of the Oriyas and finally recommended for inclusion of the plains in Orissa and the agency areas excluding Paralakhemundi, in the Ganjam district; and Khariar and Padmapur, excluding Phuljhar in the Central Provinces.

The "white paper" was published on the 17th March, 1933, containing the draft proposals for the reforms in the Indian Constitution. It proposed to create two new provinces, viz., Sind and Orissa. The Maharaja of Paralakhemundi, authorized Utkal Union Conference Committee, by his powerful arguments, convinced the Parliamentary Committee for the transfer of Jaypur (Jeypore) agency and a portion of Paralakhemundi to Orissa. The union also recommended that a portion of the Jaypur estate which the O'Donnell Committee proposed to transfer to Orissa, the Paralakhemundi and Jalantar Maliahs and a small portion of the Paralakhemundi estate including Paralakhemundi town would also be added to the Orissa Province. But no step was taken for the transfer of Oriya-speaking areas from Bengal and Bihar. By this recommendation the total area was raised from 55,799 to 84,677 sq. km. (21,545 to 32,695 sq. miles). The Government of India Bill 1935 was passed by the Parliament and the new province of Orissa as an administrative unit came into being on the 1st April, 1936 with the following areas as per the Government of India (Constitution of Orissa ) Order,1936.

Areas from Madras / the Ganjam Agency Tracts

Non-agency portion of Ganjam district such as the Talukas of Ghumusur, Chatrapur, Aska, Sorada, Kodala and a portion of the Talukas of Ichhapur and Brahmapur as laid to the north and west of the line described in Part-II of the Schedule. So much of the Paralakhemundi estate as laid to the north and east of the said line. From Vizagapatnam district to the Jaypur estate and so much of Patangi Taluka as was not included in that estate.

Areas from Central Provinces / The Kharial Zamindari in Raipur district The Padmapur tract consisting of the 54 villages of the Chandrapur-Padmapur estate, seven villages, namely Kuakunda, Badima, Soda, Brahmapur, Palosoda, Jagni and Thakurpali were included.

During the pre-independence days, Orissa has suffered a lot and it was not possible to put together all the Oriya-speaking areas under a single administration. There were only six districts, viz., Cuttack, Puri, Baleshwar, Sambalpur, Ganjam and Koraput. The old district of Angul was split up into two statutory districts, viz. Anugul and the Khondmals under the Angul Laws Regulations, 1936 and the Khondamals Laws Regulations, 1936 respectively. But for administrative purposes Angul was tagged to Cuttack district and Khondamals to Ganjam district. The Collectors of Cuttack and Ganjam became respectively the ex-officio Deputy Commissioners of those two areas. The rest of the province constituted 26 princely states, governed by the Rajas and Maharajas who had the last word of law within the jurisdiction of their respective princely states. They were loosely knit and administered under Political Agent of the British Government who was mostly satisfied after the collection of a predetermined part of the total revenue collection known as tribute or Nazarana from the rulers of those states. The process continued till the country got independence in 1947.

Education

The state of Orissa has become a centre of learning in the eastern India after it became a separate state on 1st April 1936. After Independence a lot of reforms have been made in the education system of Orissa to make it appreciated. Because of the reforms the standard of education in Orissa is qualitative. Subsequent Governments have taken a lot of initiatives to make the standard of education more attractive. The education system of Orissa has given base to a lot of Engineering and professional institutes. The students of various faculties of Orissa are earning reputation globally because of a sound infrastructure of education in Orissa. In recent years students from different part of India are coming to Orissa for higher education. It can be said that a revolution in the sphere of education has been started in Orissa after 90s. Orissa now a day is providing best infrastructure for general education, technical education, professional education and vocational education. So many institutes of national and international reputation are eagerly choosing Orissa as their destinations because education in this soil has a bright and prosperous future.

The education system in Orissa is very much well designed.

1. Department of Higher Education controls the following institutes:

   • Universities
   • General Colleges of Intermediate and Graduation
   • Technical Institutes
   • Professional Institutes
   • Autonomous Colleges
   • Deemed Universities
   • Council for Higher Secondary Education (CHSE)

2. Department of Mass Education controls and administers the following organs:

   • Board of Secondary Education(High Schools, Secondary schools)
   • Middle English schools
   • Upper primary schools
   • Lower primary schools

1. LP. Schools
2. U.P Schools
3. M.E Schools
4. High schools
5. Intermediate level
6. Graduation level
7. Post Graduation level

1. Utkal University, Vanivihar, Bhubaneswar
2. Berhampur university, Bhanja Vihar,Berhampur
3. Sambalpur University, Jyoti vihar, Sambalpur
4. Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore
5. North Orissa University, Takatpur, Baripada
6. Utkal University of Culture, Bhubaneswar
7. Shree Jagannath Sanskrit University, Shree Vihar, puri
8. Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) BBSR
9. Biju Pattanaik University of Technology(BPUT)Rourkela
10. Ravenshaw University, Cuttack

1. Kalinga Institute of Engineering and Technology (KIIT) BBSR
2. National Institute of technology, (NIT)Rourkela
3. Sikhsa O Anusandhan University (SOA) Bhubaneswar

• No. of Govt. Medical Colleges (SCB Medical colleges, Cuttack, MKCG Medical college, Berhampur, VSS Medical college, Burla): 3
• No. of Private medical colleges – Hi-tech Medical College
• No. of Govt. Dental college: 1
• No. of Pharmacy colleges: 1 (govt), 13(pvt)
• No. of Ayurvedic colleges: 3 (govt), 2(pvt)
• No. of Homeopathic colleges: 4 (govt), 2 (pvt)

• No of ITIs: 133 (24 Govt/109 pvt)
• Students: 22,504
• No. of engineering colleges: 36(5 Govt/31 pvt)
• Student capacity: 10,385
• No of polytechnic and Engineering schools: 26 (13 Govt/13 Pvt)
• Student capacity: 5,415
• MCA Institutes: 47(11 Govt/36 Pvt)
• Students' capacity: 2,667

• Colleges: 1679
• Higher Secondary: 1112
• Secondary schools: 6811
• Number of students: 12,88,000
• Middle schools (UP schools):11,510
• Formal primary schools: 42,824lakh
• Govt. Sanskrit tools: 10
• Aided Sanskrit tools under non-planned scheme: 151
• Aided Sanskrit tools under planned scheme: 74
• Total No. of Madrasas in State: 167
• No of govt. Madrasa: 1
• Grant -in -aid Madrasas: 78
• Un aided recognized Madrasas: 88

• Total Literacy Rate (2001 census): 64%
• Literacy Rate male (2001 census): 75.95%
• Literacy Rate Female (2001 census): 50.97%
• Literacy Rate S.C(2001 census): 36.8%
• Literacy Rate S.T(2001 census): 22.3%
• No. of enrollment of children (class i to viii): 7,018,304
• Access to alternative schooling- 754 (Primary Schools) and Upper primary schools-4097-under Sarva Shikshya Yojana.
• Residential Hostels under "Kasturaba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Scheme": 49
• Computer aided education in: 600 schools
• No. of teachers engaged under SSA: 29341
• No. of Teachers engaged under DPEP: 3321
• Total No. of girls of classes viii of all communities under SSA (2006-2007): 2,17,214
• Total No. of boys of classes viii of ST/SC (2006-2007): 80,983
• Total unemployed: 10.04 lakh person's years
• Educated unemployed: 6.18 lakh
• Number of employment exchanges /bureau : 80

• Govt. Arts and craft college, Khalikot(Ganjam)
• Bibhuti Kanungo Art & Craft College, Bhubaneswar

• Utkal Music & Dance College, Bhubaneswar
• Berhampur Govt. Ayurvedic College, Berhampur
• Gopalbandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Puri: offers Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery degree courses
• Government Ayurveda college, Balangir: offers Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery degree courses
• Nrusingh Nath Govt. Ayurvedic College, Paikmal, Sambalpur

• College of Agriculture, Bhubaneswar: One of the best Agricultural institution in India, imparts up to master degree programme in Agriculture, under the Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar
• College of Agriculture, Chipilima: offers B.Sc (Ag.) courses under the Orissa
• University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar

• Berhampur Govt. Ayuvedic colleges, Berhampur
• Gopalbandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Puri: offers Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery degree courses
• Government Ayurveda College, Balamgir: offers Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery degree courses

• College of Engineering and technology, Bhubaneswar: One of the known Engineering colleges in Orissa
• College of Engineering & poly technique, Sarang, Angul
• College of Textile Engineering, choudwar: affiliated to Utkal University, proviers four year course in Textile Engineering
• Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology, Talcher: established in 1982
• Orissa School Mining Engineering, Keonjhar
• National institute of technology, (NIT)Rourkela
• University college of Engineering, Burla. Sambalpur

• Ajaya Binaya Institute of Technology (ABIT) Cuttack
• Barapada school of Engineering and Technology, Bhadrak
• KIIT, Bhubaneswar
• Orissa engineering college (OEC) Bhubaneswar
• NIST, Berhampur
• ITER, Bhubaneswar
• C.VRaman Engineering College, Bhubaneswar
• Krupajal Engineering College, Bhubaneswar
• DRIEMS, Bhubaneswar
• Gandhi institute of Engineering & Technology, Gunpur

• Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB)
• Asian School of Business Management, Bhubaneswar (ASBM)
• International School of Business Management, Bhubaneswar (ISBM)
• Kalinga School of Management (KIIT), Bhubaneswar
• Indian institute of Tourism and Travel Management, Bhubaneswar (IITTM)
• Madhusudan Institute of cooperative Management, Bhubaneswar
• Rourkela Institute of Management Studies. (RIMS)Rourkela

• CET, (OUAT), Bhubaneswar
• Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology, Sarang, Dhenkanal
• University College of Engineering (UCE)Burla, Sambalpur
• National Institute of Technology (NIT)Rourkela
• Utkal University, Vanivihar, Bhubaneswar
• Sambalpur University, Jyotivihar, Sambalpur
• Berhampur University, Bhanjavihar, Berhampur
• Ravenshaw University, Cuttack
• Gangadhar Meher College (Auto.) Sambalpur
• Khalikote College, Berhampur

• M.S Law College, Cuttack
• University Law college,vanivihar, Bhubaneswar
• Dhenkanal Law College, Dhenkanal
• G.M Law College, Puri
• Capital Law College, Bhubaneswar
• Kalinga Law School (KIIT) Bhubaneswar

Agriculture & Irrigation

Orissa is primarily an agrarian economy having nearly 30% contribution to the Net State Domestic product (NSDP) with 73 percent of the work force engaged in this sector. The cropped area is about 87.46 lakh hectares out of which 18.79 lakh hectares are irrigated. Climate and soil play a vital role in Orissa's agriculture economy. The total cultivable land exploited for cropping is about 40% of the total geographical area and the exploitation is comparatively more in the coastal districts of Orissa i.e. Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Ganjam, Jajpur, Jagatasinghpur, Kendrapara, Khurda, Nayagarh, Puri etc.

Communication

Communication in the era of Globalization is a significant aspect through which many complicated activities are solved within a fraction of second. Communication network in recent years is developing with a proper pace in the land of Orissa. Even the remote areas of Orissa have been connected through telecommunication, postal network, mobile coverage, etc. The communication infrastructure which is a basic necessity for rapid industrialization has been given utmost importance in the land of Orissa.

Telecommunication

Considerable improvement has taken place in the telecom coverage as well as in quality of services in recent years and the state govt. is providing all the support for its development. Almost 95% of the state (with the exception of Cuttack and Sambalpur) is covered by electronic exchange.

Public call offices having STD and ISD facilities are plentiful in Orissa and the state has 120 STD Codes linking various regions on the telecom map. ISD and fax facilities provide automatic dialled access to national and international subscribers. Orissa along with the rest of India has recently received access to internet for global connectivity and for a host of services like E-mail, database access, etc.

Private sector investment in value added telecom services like paging, cellular services, mobile radio trunking, tele-banking, etc making its entry in to the state in a line with recent central govt. policy changes.

Facts and Figures about Telecommunication in Orissa

1. Orissa has 680 telephone stations of which 613 have STD facilities
2. STD coverage - 30 districts networking 58 subdivisions, 147 tahasils, 314 block head quarters.
3. Trunk call efficiency - 83% against targeted 80%
4. Total no. of telephone connections - 11,26,192(2004-2005)
5. Land line connections - 7,67,953
6. Mobile connections - 2,93,085
7. WLL connections - 65,154
8. Local PTS - 8,698
9. STD service stations - 22402
10. Highway PTS - 633
11. Total no of STD lines in the state - 4,14,109(2004-2005)
12. Telephone exchanges - 1136(2004-2005)
13. Number of villages covered - 40,753(2004-2005)
14. Total area covered under telecommunication - 86.72%

Postal Network

Orissa is part of India's wide network of 1, 50,000 post offices. The government run postal department has a vast network of 7,947 post offices (1991-92 census), providing services to both important towns and remote rural areas with the rest of the country.

The postal department is also planning to introduce new value added service like hybrid mail for faster delivery through dedicated computer and satellite links. Domestic and international courier services also operate in the state.

Fairs and Festivals

The state of Orissa is considered unique apart from other states of India due to a reason, i.e., here people celebrate more than 13 festivals in twelve months. The festivals of Orissa are designed in such a manner that it has relevance with science, spiritualism, history, mythology etc. One of the most amazing acts is that festivals and fairs of Orissa differ from one region to another. This also means that every festival is uniquely celebrated and makes the Oriya bonding even tighter.

In the temple of Lord Jagannath many festivals and fairs are celebrated where people of each caste, color and creed get a chance to participate. It is the Jagannath cult, which has shown the seeds fellow-feeling, not only in the soil of Orissa but also in soil of India. Through a number of fairs and festivals, Orissa gets a chance to extend its hands to human society for brotherhood, because Orissa soil believes in "Vasudheiba Kutumbakam".

Durga Puja - Celebrated during the month of September to October symbolizes the commemoration of good over evil. Cuttack is the centre of attraction during the Puja especially on Vijaya Dasami. On the last day of Dushera crowds enjoy the spectacular procession of Idol emersion in the river Kathajodi.

Saraswati Puja - Celebrated during the month of January to February, Saraswati puja is also known as Vasanta Panchami (5th day of spring). Saraswati is the Goddess of learning and the puja is most ardently celebrated by students in school and colleges.

Ganesh Puja - Celebrated during the month of August to September also known as Ganesh Chaturthi. It is festival for student. Lord Ganesh is a symbol of intellectual brilliance and said to be the remover of all the obstacles in the path of successes. Students worship him to gain similar powers.

Shiva Ratri - Celebrated during the month of February, it is one of the most prominent festivals of the Saivites in Orissa. The festival is also known as Jagara Yatra which refers to the night-long vigil kept by the devotee, especially women to have their desired fulfilled. It celebrated with great pomp and show in the Lokanath temple (Puri), Lingaraj temple (Bhubaneswar), Kapilas temple (Dhenkanal) and Nrusinghnath temple (Bolangir), Dhabaleswar (Cuttack), Ladubaba, (Saranaku Nayagarh).

Janmastami - The birth day of Krishna, is another famous festival observed in the temple of Jagannath. Devotees fast throughout the day and break it only after the symbolic birth of Krishna takes place at midnight. Krishnas birth heralds the hope for the destruction of the demon Kansa and so it becomes memorable as the eventual triumph of good over evil. E. M. Forster has immortalized this festival in A Passage to India.

Kali Puja - Celebrated during the month of October to November is celebrated on the first full moon day after Durga Puja. Like Durga Puja, Kali Puja is observed all over the state though not to the same extent. In Bhadrak and Cuttack Kali Puja is observed in every nook and corner.

Dola Purnima or Holi - Celebrated during the month of March, Holi is the most famous spring festival of Orissa. The images of Lord Krishna are worshipped from Dashami (10th day of the bright fortnight) to the full moon day. Krishna Idolds are taken in decorated Vimans, small wooden temples, carried on shoulders of bearers from house to house where offerings are made to them. The festivals is connected with the destruction of the demon Holikasura or the she-demon Holika by making a bonfire, for which the festival is called Holi.

Nua Khai - It is the New Year of people of Western Orissa. It is celebrated to mark completion of harvest of the new crop (rice). During the festival new rice is first offered to goddess Samaleswari (of Sambalpur ) after which they start consuming rice.

Sitala Sasthi - This festival observed to mark the occasion of marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva and goddess Parbati. All the saiva peethas in Orissa become centres of devotional places on the eve of Sitala Sasthi. It is an important festival which is celebrated in each part of western Orissa.

Car Festival (Ratha Yatra) - Celebrated during the month of June to July, or on ashadha sukla ditiya tithi, is the most famous festivals that attracts pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. During the Rath Yatra, deities Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are brought out of the temple and placed in huge chariot and are pulled by thousands of people. By popular tradition, the chariots are cleaned by the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri with golden broom. The deities are taken to Gundichaghar where they stay for eight days and return to their temple on Bahuda Yatra.

It is written in the scriptures that if some one makes a darshan to Lord Jagannath while he is on the car during this occasion one gets salvation.

Chandan Yatra - It is generally famous in Puri. It is also celebrated in other parts of Orissa. The festival is related to Lord Jagannath or Krishna. It takes place in the month of Vaishakha and continues for long 42 days.

Bali Yatra - Celebrated during the month of November, Kartik Purnima is celebrated to commemorate the glorious past of commercial voyages to the islands of Bali and Sumatra by Orissan Traders on Mahanadi River Bank at Cuttack on the full moon day of (Kartik Purnima). During Bali Yatra last for 10 to 12 days in Cuttack and various handicraft products of Orissa are available for sale.

Snana Yatra - It is celebrated in the month of June or Jyastha. The festival is popularly known as the "Deba Snana Purnima" It is also called "Jyastha Purnima". During the festival, deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra along with Sudarsan and Madanmohan are brought out from the Temple and taken in procession to Snana Bedi located in the North East corner of the outer compound. The deities are bathed there with 108 pitchers of water drawn from a well near the Northern Gate.

Dhanu Yatra - It is relating to the episode of Lord Krishna's visit to Mathura witness the ceremony of Bow is colorfully observed at Bargarh a Western Orissa District. Different acts of Puranic descriptions are performed in this festival.

Konark Dance Festival - Celebrated from 1st to 5th December during the festival eminent classical dancers of India get together to present live performance of art of classical dance at Sun Temple at Konark. The festival is celebrated with extravaganza with classical dances like Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Mohiniattam, Kathakali, Manipuri, Kathak and Chhow dances - a lavish feast for the eyes and ears.

The Puri Beach Festival - It is an out and out fun lover's fest. Conducted by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Orissa (HRAO), the festival is a celebration of Orissa, in all its beauty, charm and fun-loving spirit. With events ranging from fashion shows to rock shows, the Puri Beach Festival delights visitors and locals alike. The Puri Beach Festival is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the Department of Tourism, Government of Orissa, Development Commissioner of Handicrafts and the Eastern Zonal Cultural Center, Calcutta.

Industries

Orissa is one of the important states of India which is endowed with varieties of mineral resources. The mineral resources of Orissa have reputation for being qualitative for industries. The mineral resources of Orissa include Iron ore, Manganese, Coal, Bauxite, Dolomite, Tin, etc. Mineral resources have played an important role to make Orissa hot destinations for industries. Because of mineral resources big industries, like Rourkela Steel Plant, National Aluminum Company, National Thermal Power Corporation, have established their positions not only in India but also in world market. Besides those, reforms in infrastructure in recent years have created an atmosphere conducive for major industries of the world to look forward to Orissa as an epi-centre for industrial growth. In Eastern India, Orissa is really growing in real sense to become an industrial hub in the coming years.

Government of Orissa aims at creating and industry-enabling and investor friendly climate in the state with a view to accelerate industrial developments, employment opportunities and economic growth. IPR-2001 and Orissa Industries (facilitation) Act 2004 embodies the above objectives of Govt. Orissa has already emerged as a major investment destination for national as well as trans - national investors, especially in steel, aluminum, petrochemicals, power, IT and ITES, food processing industries, tourism and other such sectors.

Infrastructure Development

Government is in the process of formulating a robust public- private-partnership (PPP) policy to promote private investments in infrastructure development. Some successful efforts to initiate PPP projects include Paradeep Haridaspur Railway Link, Dhamra Port and Gopalpur Port etc. The state has already taken the initiative of promoting Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for attracting exports oriented industries and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Types of Industries Existing in Orissa

With the passing of times journey of industrial growth has taken a momentum within the Geographical periphery of Orissa. On the basis of investment the industries of Orissa are classified into following categories:

1. Large Scale Heavy Industries
2. Large Scale Industries
3. Small and Medium Industries
4. Handicraft and Cottage Industries
5. Khadi and Village Industries

Natural Resources of Orissa

Orissa is the store house of natural resources. Among these, water, wild life, forest and mineral resources are found in abundant and which are very essential for growth and development of the state. Government of Orissa is taking essential steps towards preserving and managing natural resources so that it can be available in the acceptable quantity, quality and at the required time for the all round development of the state.

• Water Resources
• Scenic Wild Life
• Large Forest Coverage
• Abundant Mineral Resources
• Vast Coastline

Tourist Places of Orissa

On the eastern coast of India, perpetually washed by the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, lies the many splendor of State of Orissa. Endowed with a rich cultural heritage of old world charms and bestowed liberally with the bounties of nature, sometimes tender, sometimes awe-inspiring, it is a kaleidoscope of past splendors and present glamour, a fascinating state with unspoiled beaches, sprawling lakes, luxuriant forests, teeming wildlife, superb monuments, exotic handicrafts, traditional tribes, colorful fairs and festivals, scintillating music and dances. It is a land of unforgettable memories and hidden treasures. Many parts of this fascinating land remain relatively unexplored.

Orissa Tourism at a Glance

Traditionally known as the land of Lord Jagannath, Orissa is a potential State for tourists of various interests. The legend of Nilamadhab associated with Kantilo is thought provoking. The lush green forests of Ushakothi and Similipal filled with the chirping of birds and rich wild life are much-needed oasis. The biosphere reserve of Nandankanan, only 20 kms. from Bhubaneswar can be interesting for any visitor regardless of age and sex. The lion safari and white tiger safari have added news features.

The majestic Mahanadi gorge at Tikarapara with the added attraction of the Crocodile Sanctuary is a must for the wild life lovers. Millions of Olive Ridley turtles come to Gahirmatha twice a year to lay eggs.

Orissa has a paradise for the birds as well as in the Chilika Lake which is the largest brackish Water Lake in Asia. The Lake is dotted with a host of Islands with their romantic names like Honeymoon Island, Breakfast Island etc. Dancing Dolphins are an added attraction of the place.

The perennial and precipitous water falls at a number of places like Bagra, Duduma, Harishankar, Nrusimhanath, Pradhanpat, Khandadhar, Berehipani, Joranda, etc. formed against enthralling hills of scenic beauty provide the tired travelers with a cool breeze and ice cold water to relieve them off the clutches of the scorching sun in the summer.

More refreshing in the winter are the hot sulphur springs at Atri, Taptapani, Deulajhari and Tarabalo. The lovely beaches of Orissa stretching over 400 kms. from Chandaneswar to Gopalpur are still virgin and rated among the best in the world. The beach at Chandipur in the district of Balasore has a unique individuality of its own.

To break the monotony of travelling, Orissa offers to the tourists numerous traditional fairs and festivals which are observed with colorful pomp and ceremony. The grandest among which is the Ratha Yatra at Puri. Other festivals include Dhanu Yatra at Bargarh, Sitala Sasthi at Sambalpur, Nila Parva at Chandaneshwar, Chhou dance at Baripada etc.

Tourism in Bhubaneswar

City of Temples is situated on the main railway line that connects Howrah in the north with Chennai in the south. To the visitor, Bhubaneswar is a city of contrasts, co-existence and continuity. There is a happy encounter of past and present in this temple town which has a history of about 2500 years. All religions and sects flourished here.

Lingaraj Temple, has been a centre of Shiva-worship.

Ananta - Vasudeva Temple 1278 A.D (4 km.) often considered being a watered down version of the magnificent Lingaraj temple as far as the architecture is concerned, this 18.29 meter high lone Vaishnav shrine is the most finished temple situated on the east bank of the Bindu Sarovara.

Bhaskareshwar Temple (6 km.), this small temple is remarkable for its stepped design and the unusually high Linga in its sanctum.,which rises to a height of nearly three meters from the floor level. Some scholars believe that the Linga was originally a free standing pillar.

Bindu Sarovara (4km.), situated to the north of the Lingaraj temple this large pool measures approximately 400m x 230m. The devotees believe this Sarovara to contain water from every holy stream, pool and river of India and can purify them of all sins.

Brahmeshwar Temple 1061 AD.(6.5 km.), this temple was built by Kolavati, the mother of the Somavansi King Udyotakesari, in the eighteenth regal year of his reign, This shrine, though dedicated to Lord Shiva.

B K College of Art and Crafts (10 km.), the College offers higher studies in certain modes of art and craft including wood carving, palm leaf etching, stone sculpture, clay modeling, commercial art, graphic art, line drawing and painting. The college is located in Khandagiri area.

Dhauli (9 km.) is a small hillock rising conspicuously on the southern bank of the river Daya, in the midst of green fields that seem to reach out to the horizon. This is the site where Ashoka waged the final battle against Kalinga in 261 BC.

Tourism in Puri

A heaven on earth is the common description of Puri. Both the devout and the pleasure seeker bestow such praise on the place. Besides Lord Jagannath temple there are other small temples within Puri. Puri is having one of the world's finest sea beach.

Ai Tota (1.5 km.), is the place towards the left side of the Gundicha Temple where Chaitanya used to stay during Car Festivals.

Angira Bata (3.5 km.), on the east of the temple of Lord Jagannath can be seen a shady banyan tree known as Angira Bata surrounded by an old boundary wall. The place is associated with the legendary sages Angira.

Annapurna Theatre (3 km.), Murari Mishra records the first staging of his play at Puri sometime in the 9th century AD. Though the ancient stage is no longer existent, this seventy year old theatre house can still be seen at Puri.

Ardhasani (3 km.), about 3 km. from the Lord Jagannath Temple, on the Grand Road, is a small white-washed temple for goddess Ardhasani or Mausi Ma. A Subhadra image is worshipped here.

Asta Shambhu (4.5 km.), a small temple in Tiadi Sahi houses a cluster of eight Shiva Lingas made of semi-precious stones which appear different in color when looked at from different directions.

Atharanala (3 km.), a marvel of medieval Orissan architecture the Atharanala or the bridge with eighteen arches was built by Bhanu Deba of the Ganga dynasty in the thirteenth century. It is a stone structure and is still used as the gateway to the holy city Puri.

Aurobindo Dham (4 km.), a newly established institution which popularizes the teachings of Sri Aurobindo, a twentieth century philosopher of India. It has a small library. Its impressive complex of buildings can be reached by going to the west from Swarga Dwar.

Bata Lokanath (5 km.), the impressive temple on the Swarga Dwar Road is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A beautiful Kali image is also worshipped in the near by place.

Batamangala (5 km.), at a distance of about three kilometer from Atharanala on the Puri-Bhubaneswar road is a small temple dedicated to goddess Batamangala. Pilgrims usually pray this goddess for safe journey to Puri.

Bauli Math (3.5 km.), the well dug by Guru Nanak popularly known as Dedhasur Bhai Bohu Kua is still to be seen here and this place, the Bauli Math is visited by the devotee round the year.

Bedi Mahavir (2.5 km.), a small sea-side temple which in which the image of the monkey-god Hanuman, a devotee of Rama is worshiped.

Bharat Sevashram (4km.) an institution situated near Swarga Dwar. It is a philanthropic organization which does commendable work during the Car Festivals.

Bhrugu Ashram (3km.), or Bhrugus hermitage is near Atharanala. It is associated with the sage Bhrugu.

Chakhi Khuntias House (4 km.), Chakhi Khuntia, a priest of Jagannath, fought the British during India's First War of Independence in 1857. Khuntia was the family priest of Queen Laxmi Bai of Jhansi who led the heroic revolt against the British.

Chakra Tirtha (2 km.), place on the seashore is believed to be the house of the father of Laxmi, the consort of Jagannath. A small but beautiful temple houses the images of Laxmi and Nrushimah.

Chaturdham Veda Bhawan (4.5 km.), a school of teaching the Vedas to the young. The students of this school recite the Vedas to the measured movement of hands, fingers and palms. The Yajna Vedi or the traditional Vedic altar for burning sacrificial fire may also be seen by a visitor here.

Sun Temple, the magnificent Sun Temple at Konark is the culmination of Orissan temple architecture, and one of the most stunning monuments of religious architecture in the world. Built by the King Narasimha Deva in the thirteenth century; the entire temple was designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with seven horses and twelve wheels, carrying the Sun God, Surya, across the heavens. Surya has been a popular deity in India since the Vedic period.

The Melakkadambur Shiva Temple, built in the form of a chariot during the age of Kulottunga Chola I (1075-1120), is the earliest of this kind, and is still in a well preserved state.

The Navagruha Temple, a huge stone containing nine planetary gods. The architectural use of Navagraha is according to the medieval convention a kind of prophylactic measure for the safety of the temple and can be seen almost in every temple in Orissa. The Sun Temple also has a huge Navagraha slab which is richly ornamented.

Sonepur

From very ancient times, Sonepur is considered as a holy city. The Kosalananda Kavya of Kavi Gangadhara Meher, written in 1664 A.D, describes the temple city of Sonepur as the second Varanasi of India. On the basis of the cult images, the temples of Sonepur can be divided into three thematic divisions i.e., the Saiva, Vaisnava and Sakta temples.

Some of the most important Sakta temples are Sureswari, Stamvesvari or Khamvesvari, Bhagavati, Samalesvari, Budhi Samalei, Manikesvari, Narayani, Sitalei and Lankesvari. The temple of Suresvari is situated on the left bank of the river Tel towards the north of Suvarnameru temple and south-east of Ramesvara temple.

Tourism in Cuttack

City of the Fort situated at the apex of a delta formed by the river Mahanadi on the north and its distributaries, the Kathajodi on the south. Cuttack (or Kataka) was founded by King Nrupa Keshari in 989 A.D. Cuttack has witnessed the rule of several dynasties: the Kesharis, the Gangas, the Gajapatis and the Bhois.

Barabati Fort, the ruins of the old Barabati Fort lie on the right bank of the Mahanadi, in the western part of the city. All that remains of the Fort is an arched gateway and the earthen mound of the nine storey palace.

Barabati Stadium (4 km.), adjacent to the ruins of Barabati Fort is the Barabati Stadium with its impressive structure covering an area of about 25 acres. The structure of the stadium closely resembles that of the Brabourne Stadium of Bombay. There is a clock tower within Barabati Stadium which is a distinct feature of thestadium.

Jawaharlal Nehru Air-conditioned Indoor Stadium, situated towards the southern part of the Barabati Fort. It has seating capacity for six thousand spectators.

Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI) (5 km.), established in 1946. Its basic aim is to conduct research on crop development in order to increase overall productivity of rice. It is the best Rice Research Institute in the Asia continent.

Chandi Temple (5 km.), the temple of Goddess Chandi, the presiding deity of the city, to the south of the Barabati area is visited by hundreds of devotee's everyday. The image of the deity is older than the temple.

Church, Baptist (5 km.), the present Baptist Church or Jubilee Church at Mission Road was constructed in 1872 to commemorate the golden jubilee of the work of the Baptist Missionary Society at Cuttack.

Church of England (4 km.), later known as the Anglican Church, is presumed to have been established during the days of the East India Company.

Church of God (4 km.), the building of the present at Cantonment Road was constructed in 1928.

Church, Roman Catholic (5 km.), situated at Cuttack Chandi, to the north of the Mount House, the Catholic Church is one of the oldest in Orissa. It is believed that the first Catholic Church at Cuttack was built on the bank of the Kathajodi by the Portuguese merchants, but there is no trace of it now.

Gadagadeswar Temple (4.5 km.), the temple of Lord Shiva on the banks of the Mahanadi towards the northern part of the Barabati area is not very old. The modern temple probably stands in the place of a certain Visvesvara temple of the fifteenth century mentioned in the Oriya by Sarala Das.

Gurudwara of Guru Nanak Datan Sahib (2 km.), situated on the bank of the Mahanadi to the west of the NH-5. Gurudwara Guru Nanak Datan Sahib is one of the oldest Gurudwaras of Orissa.

Hanuman Temple (2.5 km.), situated on the bank of the river, Kathajodi. The temple of Panchamukhi Mahavira, a form of Hanuman is visited by the hundreds of Hanuman devotees. There are the shrines of Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Lord Siva in the temple premises.

Jama Masjid (7 km.), built by Nawab Ikram Khan in 1689 A.D. The mosque stretches from east to west to enable the devotees to turn towards Mecca while praying. There are two tall and elegant towers on both sides of the mosque. One can get a view of the city from the top of the towers.

Oriya Bazar (5 km.), house at Oriya Bazar where Subhas Chandra Bose, the ninth child of Prabhabati and Janaki Nath Bose was born is visited by many people particularly on 23 January, the birthday of Netaji.

Publishing Houses (6 km.), almost all the major Oriya publishing houses are located at Balu Bazar - Binod Behari - Banka Bazar area of Cuttack.

The Samaja (Buxi Bazar: 4 km.), is a prominent Oriya daily founded by Utkala Mani Gopabandhu Das.

The Prajatantra (Chandinichowk : 7 km.), is also a prominent Oriya daily was founded by Utkala Keshari Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, the oldest of the existing Oriya dailies also come out from the city.

Qadam-I-Rasool (5.5 km.), located almost at the centre of the city, Qadam-i-Rasool is enclosed on all sides by high stone walls. The mosque is a good example of Indo-Islamic architecture and a shrine dear to both Hindus and Muslims.

Raghunath Jew temple (3.5 km.), a monument of Maratha period, the temple of Sri Raghunath Jew, also known as Sitaram Thakurbari is situated at Telenga Bazar in the southern part of the city.

Ravenshaw College, the College is famous for its prominent library named as "Kanika Library". The college is also famous or the oldestsun clock made by famous astrologer Pathani Samanta which is on the courtyard of the college.

S.C.B Medical College, is a medical college and hospital which was started before independence. The chief architect behind this mega project was Maharaja Sri Ram Chandra Bhanjadeo.

Tourism in Dhenkanal

Kapilash Temple, situated at an altitude of 2,150 ft, Kapilash is called the Kailash of Orissa.The gateway to Kapilash is Dhenkanal town, 26 km. away. Surrounded on all sides by the Eastern Ghats, Kapilash is quite picturesque. The people of the region believe that Kapilash is the abode of Lord Chandrasekhar or Shiva.

Narayana and Viswanath temples, on the hilltop are also popular places of pilgrimage.

Saptasajya, is another charming spot, 11 km. from Dhenkanal.

Joranda, is famous for excursion. Followers of the Mahima cult visit Joranda as pilgrimage. It is also famous for handicrafts.

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