To Odisha with Love

I was fascinated by the television coverage of the elections being held in Odisha, especially Puri. The sheer color, the vibrancy, the traditional costumes, the dance and the music stood out!

It was earthy, rooted, and reflected rich mosaic of Odiya culture and traditions. So viscerally captivating were the visuals that I yearned to be there.

But I was there, in Odisha, decades ago. I left Odisha in 2008 but I realized Odisha has never left me. And this post is, at one level, a celebration of Odisha, a place that rests joyfully in my heart!

Before landing in Odisha in 2006, my only cognition of the state was from geography classes and from the word ‘Utkala’ that features in the national anthem. I feel blessed to have spent two years in the state. Apart from utilitarian benefit of studies, I discovered this beautiful state (and feel that I have not fully explored its richness).

If you are a tourist who has not experienced Odisha yet, then here are several (hopefully compelling) reasons to plan a trip. Here is one suggestive itinerary for seven days:

1.???? DAY 1 (Bhubaneswar)

a.???? Bhubaneswar is the land of temples. There are so many significant ones that one can spend a week exploring the city. To start with, one should seek out the Lingaraj Temple, Ananta Vasudeva Temple, the stylish Mukteswar Temple.

b.???? Undertake a voyage to ancient sites like Dhauli, Sisupalgarh and Khandagiri.

2.???? DAY 2 (Puri-Konark)

a.???? Visit Puri temple (Puri is one of the seven holy places in India and part of the Char Dham circuit) and seek the Mahaprasad (this is an activity in itself).

b.???? Relish the drive from Puri to Konark; stop at Chandrabhaga beach.

c.????? Admire the architecture and opulence of the UNESCO Heritage Sun Temple in Konark.

3.???? DAY 3 (Cuttack)

a.???? Drive from Bhubaneswar to Cuttack and stop at a town called Pahala. This is the place to savour delectable Odiya sweets.

b.???? Admire the awesome Mahanadi river, a river that finds mention in the Matsya Purana.

c.????? Visit the Chandi Temple. If you are a cricket buff (from the 80s), then you will feel nostalgic upon seeing the Barabati Stadium.

4.???? DAY 4 (Chilika and Gopalpur)

a.???? You could spend the entire day in Chilika Lake or limit yourself to specific sections based on interest. There are dolphins, flamingoes, temples, boat rides and so much more in these dense wetlands.

b.???? Alternatively, you could head to Gopalpur to savour the beach.

5.???? DAY 5 (Gahirmatha and Bhitarkanika)

a.???? This is a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts, subject to seasonality and guidance from local authorities.

b.???? For those who want to double down on heritage, then stopping at Jajpur is an option. Jajpur is home to a prominent Shakti-Peetha temple.

6.???? DAY 6 (Sambalpur or Tikarpara)

a.???? Sambalpur is home to the Hirakud Dam and the unique leaning temple of Huma.

b.???? Tikarpara is nestled along the Mahanadi and is home to an eclectic variety of fauna. The Gharial, leopards and tigers are available for company. The Satkosia Gorge makes for panoramic views.

7.???? DAY 7 (Bhubaneswar)

a.???? Shopping and other cultural excursions such as watching Odissi performance.

The itinerary may not be logistically convenient; there may be errors of omission. But the list of places comes from lived experience. And then there is my wish-list.

1.???? Hopefully, Odisha has or will create a maritime museum to celebrate the states’ contribution to ancient maritime trade and ship-building.

2.???? Hopefully, Odisha has or will create a Odissi University. I know that Oxford University has a center.

3.???? Hopefully, we can see some “Rosogulla and Chenna Podo” museums akin to chocolate museums in Switzerland. Food and narrative make for an irresistible combination!

But there is more to Odisha than just tourism. The ancient land of Kalinga finds mention in the Mahabharata. Odissi represents fascinating aspects of Vaishnavism and based on Natya Shastra (that inspires other dance forms of India).

In its uniqueness, Odisha represents India like all other states. The uniqueness is held together by larger elements (Natya Shastra, the Puranas, Itihasa, reverence for nature etc.) that are similar across all states of India.

The brief election coverage revived fond memories of Odisha.

Home is where my heart is and heart is where Odisha shall thrive!

Check out these riveting documentaries featuring Odisha:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjbzOjA5ZNw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKp1_6IesPY

#Odisha