The sun temple of Konarak is one of the greatest specimens of ancient art, craft and and sculpture of India. The Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneshwar, cave paintings in Udaygiri and Khandagiri are also interesting places to visit in Orissa. But apart from all these, the fairs and festivals of Orissa are also some its major tourist attractions.
Fairs and festivals of Orissa are held throughout the year and are participated by lot of people. The fairs ans festivals of Orissa are very important parts of the social and cultural life of the people of the state. As it is the home to Lord Jagannath, Rathyatra is the biggest festival of Orissa. Huge procession comes out carrying the 'rath' (chariot) of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. The main purpose of Rathyatra is to carry Lord Jagannath and his brother and sister to their birthplace Gundicha Mandir. The procession starts from Jagannath Temple and are pulled by thousands of devotees along the roads of Puri.
Durga Puja, which is dedicated to Goddess Durga and held in the month of October is also an important part of fairs and festivals of Orissa. Though Durga Puja is the biggest festival of West Bengal, one of its neighboring states, people of Orissa celebrate it with joy for six long days. Maha Shivratri is another big festival held in Orissa every year. According to Hindu calender, Maha Shivratri is held on the 14th day of the month of Phalgun. Devotees keep fast for the entire day and offer Bael leaves to Lord Shiva
|
