Author: OdishaLifeStyle

During the wintery months of November and December, the households of Odisha gear up to welcome goddess Lakshmi. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped with sincere devotion during Margasira month on every Gurubaras (Thursdays). This ritual is known as Manabasa Gurubar. The customary ritual derives its name from mana; an ancient measuring device used in ancient times all across the state. The mana has ancient lineage with cultivation and harvesting of crops which were once the main occupation of the people of the state. Manabasa Gurubar Ritual of the Farmer Community The farmer community who had been working tirelessly for the past several…

The Odia culture and tradition are replete with many festivals that boasts of a rich heritage. Prathamsatami Among those festivals is Prathamastami which celebrates the firstborn of every household in the state. The age-old Odia tradition of Prathamastami is observed on the Krushna Paksha Astami in the lunar month Margasira (November–December). Since ‘Margasira’ is the first month of the calendar according to the Odia Panjika, it has been named as Prathamastami. The day is celebrated for the longevity, wellness and prosperity of the eldest child of the family called ‘Padhuan’ who shoulders all the responsibilities of the family. In Hindu…

The tribal society of Odisha has always stood ahead in the call of struggle for freedom . Laxman Naik Overcoming all the barriers, they have sacrificed their lives, their bloods for the soil of Odisha. History tells about the contribution of the tribes, their great efforts and glorious patriotism they have bestowed whenever and wherever it was necessary.  Raising their voices against the exploitation, fighting for the freedom of the country, Laxman Naik they have made it bold and confident. The incredible  courage and braveness shown by the tribal heroes are really unforgettable. The price of oblation these heroic personalities…

Bhitarkanika national park which is spread across a vast area of 672 sq. kms in Odisha is blessed with a vast mangrove ecosystem. In literal terms, ‘Bhitara’ means interior and ‘Kanika’ means beautiful which implies the beauty and variance of the ecosystem. Bhitarkanika National Park is the second largest ecosystem in India and is recognised by UNESCO as well. In the year 2006, Bhitarkanika national park was honoured with the title of having the largest saltwater crocodile 7.1m (23ft 4in) long and 2000kg male saltwater crocodile but the record was later broken in the year 2017 by Queensland national park, Australia. Courtesy: News Bhitarkanika which is…

We often picturize Gods or Goddesses to be alluring as in their appearance, as described Kali Puja in our mythologies. But, what if some of the deities stand apart who have been depicted differently, in appearance as well as behaviour. What might be the case, it is always good vibes and high morals and blessings that we are supposed to get from the supreme existence. Maa Kali, the graceful Goddess, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, is an illustration that beauty lies not in race but in good deeds. When the earth perished from the torture of devil forces, Kali was…

The sacred land of Odisha is enriched by development in both Puranic and historical sites and monuments of Brahmanic, Buddhist, Jain, Islamic and Christian faiths. In addition to the Temples, Pagodas, Buddhist temples, and Jaina Relicsm, the Islam and Christian historic sites of Odisha also produce an ancient and important cultural, religious, and sanctuary shrine named “Gumpha Dhama” in disguise of a world-famous ancient Buddhist site from the 1st century BC or AD, converted into a Hindu shrine from the 12th and 13th centuries AD, known as “Olasuni pitha”.   Located between the world-famous Buddhist sites of Lalitgiri and Udayagiri in…

The beautiful eastern district of Mayurbhanj which was once the citadel of the kings of the Khiching Bhanja empire during the period of 950 AD to 1250 AD, occupies a marvellous place in the cultural hub of India. The district is not only filled with ancient temples and exquisite monuments but also with numerous wildlife sanctuaries and breath-taking natural beauty. Among such places is which is notably one of the famous heritage sites of the state. is located in the sub division of Karanjia which is at a distance of 150 kms from Baripada and 230 kms away from the…

Thought, texture and taste, are the three components of a delicious cuisine. When a perspective Dalma of health is added, it turns out to be a bonus. Odisha, a state as famous as for its rich culture and tradition, is also well known for its offering of several appetizing food items. Over 50 dishes alone are consumed as Prasad in front of Lord Jagannath. The foods of Odisha are welcoming around the globe from ancient times. Such a delectable odia cuisine, called , has a separate and distinct place as a food item in itself. Prepared from fresh and vitamin…

The married women in Odisha observe Sudasha Brata on the holy date of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon), Thursday and Dasami. On this day, the married women of the households keep fast the entire day and worship the goddess Laxmi, the epitome of wealth, praying for the well-being and prosperity of the members of the family. The sacred thread or the brata is the most important aspect of the ritual. The brata, after it is dipped in the ritualistic turmeric water is tied on their right arm of the women. Before tying the brata, ten knots, are made on the thread while uttering…

Let’s start to learn about the bahubali of Puri, Anil Gochhikar. I have always been a skinny guy. After completing my engineering degree I went looking for a job in Bangalore, where stress and bad eating habits turned me into a stick. Nobody would have noticed me passing by the street. Then my brother called me back to Puri to decompress a little. When I reached my home town, my elder brother, who saw me after a long time, didn’t recognize me. According to him I was akin to a cloth hanger standing on the train station. So he literally…