Odisha

The ancient temples of Odisha are marvels of architectural craftsmanship. 

Odisha is home to several primitive tribes. Some of these tribes can be seen at weekly markets where they come to sell forest produce and barter items of their need.

Ancient tribal art form of Dhokra (castings made of bell metal or brass by the lost wax process), the applique work of Pipili village, conch shell crafts, patta chitra paintings, etchings on palm leaf, mask making, stone & wood carvings.... 

Odisha is an ancient cililization (earliest recorded history dates to the Kalinga Kingdom in the 3rd Century BC), and has been the cradle of ancient dance forms. The Odissi Classical dance hold a position of pride among the Indian Classical dance forms. Odisha also abounds in many forms of folk dances including tribal dance forms.     

This ancient land is home to myriad ethnic Festivals & Fairs. The famous Rath Yatra (also known as the Car festival) of Puri, celebrated in July, attracts one of the largest gatherings of devotees. The Bali Jatra is an ancient fair celebrated on the banks of the Mahanadi River, in the month of November. The fair commemorates the ancient maritime history of Odisha when merchants sailed to far away places, particularly Bali in Indonesia, for business.       

The magic of handwoven textiles in Cotton & Silk is created by the traditional hand-loom weavers. The art is passed on from generation to generation. Sambalpur & Nuapatna are some of the major centres of traditional hand-loom weaving.