Orissa is a land of wonderful people, who are very
lively and full of life. It is also a land of fairs and festivals, most
of which are religious in nature. These fairs see enthusiastic
participation of almost all the people of the state. One of the most
important fair of Orissa is the Jagannath Rath Yatra, which is organized
in the holy city of Puri. Devotees from all over India throng the city
in June-July, to take part in this holy fair. Apart from that, a number
of other major fairs are also organized in the state.
Bali Yatra
Bali Yatra is a very well known festivity that takes place on the banks
of river Mahanadi in Cuttack city of Orissa. It usually falls on the
full moon day in the Hindu month of Karthik (November-December). More
Chandan Yatra
Chandan Yatra takes place in almost every city of Orissa, but it is
particularly famous in Puri. In many parts of Orissa, it is held in the
honor to Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna). More
Dhanu Yatra
Dhanu Yatra is celebrated as a commemoration of Lord Krishna's
visit to Mathura. It is a distinctive form of annual festivity, in which
the small isolated Bargah town of Orissa turns into a massive open-air
theatre. More
Joranda Mela
Joranda Mela derives its name from its venue - Joranda, located in the
Dhenkanal district of Orissa. People, from all over India, flock to
Joranda to witness this grand fair. More
Snana Yatra
Snana Yatra, also known as the Jagannath Snana Yatra, is usually held
on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Jyestha. It is organized as a
celebration of the birthday of Lord Jagannath. More
Magha Mela
It is a popular fair that takes place in the Konark city of Orissa. It
usually falls in the Hindu month of 'Magha'. During this occasion,
devotees from all parts of the country come to take holy dips in the
Chandrabhaga Tirtha and worship the mighty Sun God.
Taratarini Mela
It is one of the biggest fairs of Orissa, which is held on every
Tuesday in the Hindu month of Chaitra. The venue of the fair is a place
called Taratarini Pitha, which is about 30 kms from Berhampur.
Makar Mela
Makar Sakranti is known by different names in different states, like in
Tamilnadu, it is celebrated as Pongal, in Punjab as Lohri, in Andhra
Pradesh as Pedda Panduga and in Orissa, it is known as Makar Mela. The
mela is held at the time of Makar Sakranti i.e. on the 14th of January.
In Orissa, the celebrations mainly take place at Atri, Kalijai
(Chilika), Jagatsinghpur and Jashipur.
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