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

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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.