Festivals all over India have their distinct way of celebration and festivals in Orissa is no exception. Orissa, a land of rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions, celebrates these festivals with equal vigour and devotion as in other parts of India.The section introduces you to the major festivals observed in Orissa throught out the year.

It falls on 14th January of English calender year. The Sun make his outset towards north pole and this the movement of the Sun from this day is called "Uttarayana Gati". This festival is observed largely in Orissa by both Arya and Anarya i.e, by general and Adivasi caste. Since this occasion falls just after the harvesting of the paddy crops is over in Orissa. Particularly, the festival is observed largely among all with joy and ceremony. "Makar Bhoga" is made of new harvested rice, milk, sugar, coconut and cheese etc. Mela is observed at Dhabaleswar in Cuttack, Hatakeshwar at Atri in Puri, Makar Muni temple in Balasore and near various deities in each district of Orissa.

The day marked for the propitiation of Saraswati, the Goddess of learning is known as Sripanchami or Basanta Panchami. The words 'Sree' and 'Basanta' are significant to the festival.  'Sree' is beauty and the other name of 'Saraswati' and Basanta is spring season which brings beauty and pleasure to the Earth. Therefore it is a festival to welcome beauty through worship of the Goddess

The most popular and colourful festival of Konark, and occasion for a grand congregating of Indian pilgrims and enthusiasts from abroad, falls on the 7th day of te bright half of 'Magha'.The Indian pilgrims take a holy dips in the Chandrabhaga Tirtha near the sea and welcome the rising Sun with prayers.Also a grand fair is held at Khandagiri near Bhubaneswar on the same day which continues for about a week.

The festival "Shiva’s Great Night" falls on the 14th day of the dark half of Phalgun and is observed by devotees all over the country. Devotees keep fast and perform puja throughout the night and keep a vigil to witness the sacred lamp on the temple top. The festival can be best enjoyed at mahendragiri, Gupteswar, Kapilas, Puri, Bhubaneswar and Khiching.

Dola, popularly known as Holi is the most popular and colourful festivals of Orissa, celebrated on Phagun Purnima and a day succeeding.Based on the romantic plays of Radha and Krishna, people converge on the streets with their idols on gaily decorated 'Vimanas' singing devotional songs in their praise and throwing colour powders and waters on each other.

The Car festival of Lord Lingaraj at Bhubaneswar,Asokastami is held in the bright half of 'Chaitra'.The protege of Lord Lingaraj is taken in the chariot from the main temple to Rameswar Temple and return in a four-day stay.

The birthday of Lord Rama is observed as Ramanavami on the ninth day of the light half of the month of Chaitra. Though there are very few temples dedicated to Rama in Orissa, this festival is widely celebrated by the performances of Ram Leela (the sport of Rama) based on the famous epic Ramayana. Beginning from this day the performances continue for over a month. Some observe fasting on the day and take food only after visiting the temple.

The Chaitra Parba or Chhau Festival commences from 10th/11th April every year and continues for three days concluding on 'Mahavishuva Sankranti Day' at Baripada.This is a festival of festivals which is enjoyed by the people of the country and the enthusiasts from abroad.

The celebration of marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva with Parvati starts with the untying of the wedding knot of the devine couple.Devotees act as their parents to perform the marriage.The bridegroom's procession popularly known as 'Barat' starts from the 5th night of the bright half f Jyestha and the marriage is performed in the tradiotional manner.

Ratha Yatra, 'Known as Car Festival' is the grandest of all fetivals in Orissa.It is the sacred journey of Lord Jagannath with brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra from the main Jagannath Temple to another shrine called 'Gundicha Mandir' for nine days.It begins from the 2nd day of the bright half of 'Asadha' which falls in June-July every year.Thousands and thousands of devotees fro all over India and abroad throng on that day at Puri to pull the sacred Chariots.

Durga Puja symbolises the comemoration of god over evil.Life comes to stand still in the city of Cuttack as crowds pour over the the Puja Mandaps to enjoy the festivities.On the day succeeding 'Vijaya Dasami', the last day of Dussera, the images are taken in a spectacular procession for immersion in the river Kathajodi.

Observed with much pomp and ceremony in Dhenkanal town., it commences from the full moon day of Aswin and continues for a period of one week.

Puri,the adobe of Lord Jagannath, is a wonderful beach resort for leisure tourists. It is known for its thirteen major festivals of Lord Jagannath celebrated every year.But the new Tourist Festival known as 'Puri Beach Festival' held from 5th-9th November each year ha come to limelight in recent times.

To commemorate the glorious past of commercial voyages to the islands of Bali, Java and Sumatra by Orissa Traders, a big fair called 'Bali Yatra' is held on the Mahanadi river bank at Cuttack.

A fetival of classical dance forms performed by the celebrated danseurs of the country on the Open Air Auditorium set amidst the casuarina grove against the back drop of Sun Temple,a World Heritage Monument. During the festival evenings the atmosphere is surcharged with rhythmic dancing beats and melodious tunes.

Dhanu Yatra relating to the episode of Lord Krishna's visit to Mathurato witness the ceremony of 'Bow' is colourfully observed at Bargarh. The town od Bargarh becomes Mathura, the river Jira becomes Yamuna and the village Amrapalli on the other bank of the river becomes Gopa. Different acts of the Puranic descriptions are performed at their right places and the separators move from place to palce with the actions to see the performance.