Orissa
is known for its respect and mutual tolerance towards other religions.
It is owing to this fact that, the culture of Odissi people reflects
some aspects of all the major religions of India, like Islam, Sikhism,
Jainism, Buddhism, Vaisnavism, and Saivism etc. However, the religion
followed by a major proportion of the population of the state is
Hinduism. Out of all the Indian states, Orissa has perhaps the maximum
number of Hindus. Majority of the people in Orissa are Hindus, followed by the Muslims, Christians and Buddhists. The tribal religion of Sarana can also be found here. Within the Hindu community also, there is a great diversity. It includes a number of castes like Brahmins, Karans, Kshatriyas, etc. The most commendable thing about Orissa is that, there is unity in diversity. People belonging to different religions and castes live harmoniously and there is a feeling of brotherhood amongst them.
