Dhabaleswar: The island where Divine resides

Dhabaleswar, is a tiny island situated about 27 kms away from Cuttack, in Odisha. The place gets its name from the Dhabaleswar temple situated there. The magnificent yet elegant white structure was constructed by Bir Kishor, ruler of Khurda. It is said that once he set out on a hunt and during the course of the hunt,discovered the original temple which was in a dilapilated state. The king ordered the renovation of the temple. 

 The name Dhabaleswar, comes from the tale of a miracle performed by Lord Shiva where he rescued a thief from an angry mob by converting a black calf into white and appearing as a “sanyassin”. Having seen his fervent prayers answered by the Lord, the thief took a vow to spend the rest of his life in the service of the Lord. 

The temple dates back to the early 11th century. The temple is embellished with stone carvings of the ancient era and is situated in a scenic and enchanting location amidst natural environment. Here 'Bada Osha', observed just a day before Kartika Purnima in November, is considered the most auspicious of festivals.

The added attraction to the shrine is country's longest suspension bridge which connects the island to the mainland. Journey to this ancient temple, especially the last 12 kms which is along the banks of river Mahanadi is worth an experience. It’s ideal to visit the temple in the latter half of the day. The pleasant winter sunset and the golden sparkle on the river are mesmerizing.

Visitors can reach Dhabaleswar from Cuttack by using boats and ferries or by the foot-over bridge. The serene ambience, in which the temple is situated, inspires spiritual feeling among one and all. The establishment of the bridge has also led to the opening of numerous shops at the bridge's entrance helping the local economy there. The infinity view of the calm and mighty Mahanadi from the footbridge is beautiful. Apart from the bridge, one can take the ferry service from one shore to the temple. If you are an adventurous freak, then this will be your best option to sail through the clear crystal, large water body of River Mahandi. 

Dhabaleswar witnesses more than 13 lakh visitors annually with important festivals like Shivaratri, Pausha Purnima, Dola Purnima and Kartika Purnima being celebrated with great aplomb and fanfare. Apart from the temple’s prasad (bhog), visitors can try out variety of local street food served by numerous vendors in and around the temple complex. Dhabaleswar boasts of selling the tastiest “Dahi Vada-Alu Dum” in Odisha.

Apart from the simplistic, pious Dhabaleswar temple, the island also has an establishment of the Nirupama Group of Hotels. The hotel is perfect for an overnight stay for tourists and pilgrims who come to visit the temple. The hotel is in close proximity of the temple and is well equipped for hospitality and delicious cuisine. It is a great escapade from the hustle mundane urban life and provides an opportunity to rejuvenate one’s senses in the piety and the serenity of the environment. 

To know more, you can refer to this link: http://nirupamagroup.com/ 

Know more about Dhabaleswar? Share with us in the comments section below. 

Odisha : The Culture

Odisha is home to a dynamic lifestyle and culture. The diversity of the cultural and social background of the people of Odisha made it the bastion of rich cultural heritage with its historical monuments, archaeological sites, traditional arts, sculpture, dance and music.

 Numerous specialists weave magic with their hands in Odisha. Be it sand craftsmanship, design, painstaking work, painting, Odisha's showcases are incredible. Music and dance are an indispensable piece of its rich and different culture. 

Major milestones like the Jagannath Temple in Puri and its acclaimed Rath Yatra, the Sun Temple in Konarak, the traditional Odissi move, sand form craftsman Sudarshan Patnaik, the Chilka Lake, Sambalpur Deer Park have launched Odisha on to the worldwide scene. Today, the state brags of a rich legacy and unmistakable culture mixing concordant with its history and development. 

What differentiates Odiyan culture from that of different states in India is that since numerous lords have governed their kingdom and this has affected the way of life and conventions in the state. The state has a rich social legacy, which is a vicious mixing of craftsmanship, religion and convention intertwined around Lord Jagannath – the globally well known temple at Puri. The State has magnificent chronicled landmarks portraying charming brave deeds and social changes. Puri, prominently known as the 'Jagannath Dham' in view of the sacrosanct sanctuary of Lord Jagannath has an exceptional place in the social history of the nation. It is one of the four dhams of India i.e. place of central preceptor of Hindu Religion and a social operational hub.

Golden Triangle of Odisha

 The triangle of Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark has numerous eminent and diverse sanctuaries showcasing the imaginative and sculptural expertise of Orissa. The temple of Lord Lingaraj at Bhubaneswar is an enchantment for tourists. The Black pagoda at Konark is an enchanting representation of flawless architecture. These spots alongside numerous other such places have from the start gave profound ecstasy and have inculcated in the population to take after a lifestyle based on these beliefs.

 Through hundreds of years Odisha has held its social personality inside the standard of container Indian social. A place that is known for rich and jumpers masterful accomplishments, Odisha's craft and culture are the results of long recorded process in which the otherworldly, philosophical and the human measurements have converged to yield the finest impacts of a refined and cultivated life. 

Famous Sand art

The handicrafts of Odisha are famous for their versatility and rich cultural footing. 

Read more about handicrafts of Odisha at http://nirupamahotels.blogspot.in/2017/10/indigenous-handicrafts-of-odisha.html

In Odisha, ladies wear distinctive sorts of saris, which make for sparkling the excellence of ladies. Odisha is renowned for Kataki Sari and Sambalpuri Sari. These sari plans contain exceptionally unconventional outlines and appear to be extremely honourable. Men are fascinating to wear their own conventional outfits. Dhoti is a basic customary outfit for men in Odisha. They likewise wear Kurta and Gamucha amid the celebration and other customary festivals.

The cuisine of Odisha is as varied and interesting as are its people. The simple cuisine wins hearts of all tourists. 

Explore more about the cuisine at http://nirupamahotels.blogspot.in/2017/11/the-odia-culinary-culture.html

Have some thoughts to share? Please tell us in the comment section below. Like, share and subscribe for more such articles about all things Odia. 

THE ODIA CULINARY CULTURE

THE ODIA CUISINE

Having talked of the rich Handicraft culture of Odisha, we now touch upon another favourite topic of travellers: the culinary culture.

Odia cooks, particularly from the Puri region, were much sought after due to their ability to cook food in accordance with Hindu scriptures. During the 19th century, many Odia cooks were employed in Bengal and they took several dishes with them spreading the Odia cuisine beyond the state and assimilating in many other cultures.

Blessed with a simple and delicious cuisine, Odisha follows a food pattern that is somewhat similar to the neighboring states, yet maintaining individuality. A typical Oriya meal consists of a main course and dessert. Roti and paratha served as a main course for breakfast whereas rice and lentil dal form the major portion during lunch and dinner.Rice is the staple food and is often paired with vegetables.

Vegetarianism is common in Odisha owing to their deep rooted religious culture. But a significant proportion of population yet relishes fish and other sea food delicacies like prawns, crabs and lobsters that are found in plenty at the vast coastline of the state. Odia food is well known for its less calorific value, as they are cooked with very less oil. Along with curd and coconut milk, people are very fond of sweets as well.

Dalma

‘Dalma’,a traditional dish made with lentils and vegetables like potatoes, bitter gourd, brinjal and spinach is delicious and nutritious. Other traditional delights include Pani Santula (Orissa style Mixed Vegetables), Moong Daalma, amongst others. Owing to its vast coastline, a large number of people relish fish and seafood delicacies. Dishes made of prawn, fishes, crabs are popular.

ChennaPoda Pitha

Sweet dish menu includes irresistible preparations like Rasgulla, Rasmalai, Khirmohan, Rasabali, Kalakand. 

‘Chhenapodapitha’, the caramelized custard-like dessert is another mouth-watering sweet delicacy. While in Odisha, one must manage to taste the 

Bara

Bara is a traditional tiffin served as a crispy on-the-outside 

and soft on the inside eatable. 

'Mahaprasad', available at the Anand Bazar of the 

Jagannath temple as 'Bhog' to Lord Jagannath. The temple 

has the world's largest kitchen with 400 cooks and 200m 

hearths that feed 10,000 people daily.

Dahibara

Dahibara’ when combined with a little hot & spicy ‘aloodum’ and ‘ghuguni’ gives a spicy street food experience. 

‘Pithas’, small cakes both sweet and savoury in taste, are also very popular food items here.  

The main ingredients of Oriya desserts include ‘chhena’ (a form of cottage cheese). 

Thali - On a banana leaf

Thus, Odisha bears a rich legacy of food that is popular for its simplicity, healthy-factor and variety. Cuisine is and will remain an indispensible part of the whole Odisha travelling experience. 

Indigenous Handicrafts of Odisha

Odisha, has a rich heritage behind it and Odisha handicrafts play a pivotal role in that rich cultural history. Having an ancient tradition of making splendid pieces of art by hands, Oriya artists have long been presenting their awe inspiring master pieces to the world. There are a lot of handicrafts that have been running as the life force in the cultural land of Odisha (Orissa).

Some of the very prominent ones are:

PATTA CHITRA ART

Patta chitras are miniature paintings, used as wall hangings with religious themes as their subject matter. Legends from the lives of Lord Krishna are mainly depicted on this specially treated cloth known as Patta  This ritualistic art observes a fine blend of sophisticated art and folk element in the form of rich colors. Practiced widely in Raghurajpur and Dandshahi villages at the outskirts of Puri, these pattas have become synonymous to the place.

TARAKASI  ART

There are some artists of Odisha who have contributed to enrich the tradition of art through a highly skilled art form, which is more than 500 years old.  This is the art of Silver Filigree or Tarakasi work. Presently, the silver filigree workers are largely from the district of Cuttack, where the art flourishes. The filigree artists mainly work with an alloy of 90% or more pure silver. This very special type of art includes making beautiful and attractive figures from silver in the forms of animals, birds, flowers and even miniature handbags and other souvenirs. The Konark Chakra and temple are great favorites as mementos, even scenes from the Mahabharata and stills from Bhagavad Gita are popular. 

SAND SCULPTING ART

The sand sculptures are another famous handicraft of Odisha and is mainly based at Puri. This implies carving a sand sculpture with just clean and fine-grained sand mixed with water. Attractive sculptures are carved out of sand by the Oriya artists. Very eye catching and splendidly beautiful, this art form has gained immense popularity with the development of tourism.

More such handicrafts of Odisha that are less known, but equally beautiful are:

Dhokra Casting: An alloy of brass and bell metal coupled with the skill of the artisans produces amazing pieces of art. These are mainly made in Khurda, Puri, Dhenkanal and Ganjam. Lost wax technique is used to cast beautiful designs of lamps, boxes, tribal figures and Gods and Goddess. The motifs are mostly inspired by the folk culture.

Golden Grass work: Golden grass products are extremely loved amongst all the people irrespective of gender or generation. The village artisan in rural areas of Odisha make best use of grass tansforming them in to beautiful things of use. From the stem of the Khuskhus plant, women make a variety of boxes, baskets dinning, mats which the look shiny because of the golden colour of the stem.

Horn Works: The products of Parlakhemundi, these are exquisitely designed artefacts made up of animal horns. This craft has been practiced for ages, primarily by the tribes of Santhals, Oraons and Marijas. Contemporary artisans use the cow and buffalo horn to make more utility items like ashtrays, jewelry and combs.

Lacquer Toys: Lac, a gum collected from the Kusum trees add in the hue to the bamboo baskets which result in fashionable lacquer baskets and boxes. Beautiful motifs of birds, foliage are painted over the boxes and at times mirrors are also studded to the surface to make them more colourful and attractive. This turns out to be a tremendous show of creativity with various geometric and religious patterns on it.

Tassar Painting: This unparalleled work of beauty is famous and is produced largely from places near Puri. As a religion art form it evolved from the temple rituals. These paintings potray a large variety of themes, from religious and mythical stories to exotic and raga (musical) narratives.

Papier Mache: This art form actually converts waste paper and waste materials into unbelievably beautiful relics. The waste is mashed together with the process of crushing and beating. The mediums used for longevity and durability are variety of seeds and gums to safeguard the pulp from termites. This is then converted into beautiful pieces of art.

By now, we have all realised that Odisha is a state renowned for its handicrafts.

There are two villages that one can visit where making various handicrafts is the main profession of the resident, so as to enhance the experience of culture of handicrafts.

Pipli

If one is interested in brightly coloured applique and patchwork, then Pipli is the place to go.  This village has a long history dating back to the 10th century, when it was established to accommodate craftsmen who made applique umbrellas and canopies for the annual Jagannath Temple Rath Yatra.  Back in those days, applique artisans predominantly catered to the needs of temples and kings. This place still bears the legacy of beautiful handicrafts with elan.

Pipli is best visited when traveling between Puri and Bhubaneshwar.

Raghurajpur

Raghurajpur is a smaller and less commercialized village, and artisans carry out their crafts while sitting out the front of their prettily painted houses. There are just over 100 households in the village, which has a picturesque setting amongst tropical trees next to the Bhargavi River near Puri. Pattachitra paintings are a specialty here.

Raghurajpur is located a couple of kilometers from Chandanpur.