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By:

Archita Redkar

11 September 2025 at 2:30:25 pm

Odisha: Where History, Faith and Art Come Alive

Rich in heritage yet vibrant with modern energy, Odisha remains one of India’s most rewarding travel experiences. Odisha, on India’s eastern coast along the Bay of Bengal, is a land where history, spirituality, art, architecture, nature and culture come together in harmony. Often called the “Land of Temples”, the state preserves a legacy spanning more than two thousand years. From magnificent temples and ancient caves to serene lakes, golden beaches and vibrant traditions, Odisha offers an...

Odisha: Where History, Faith and Art Come Alive

Rich in heritage yet vibrant with modern energy, Odisha remains one of India’s most rewarding travel experiences. Odisha, on India’s eastern coast along the Bay of Bengal, is a land where history, spirituality, art, architecture, nature and culture come together in harmony. Often called the “Land of Temples”, the state preserves a legacy spanning more than two thousand years. From magnificent temples and ancient caves to serene lakes, golden beaches and vibrant traditions, Odisha offers an unforgettable journey into India’s heritage. Located between West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and the Bay of Bengal, Odisha enjoys a unique geographical setting. Its capital, Bhubaneswar, is known as the “Temple City of India” for its concentration of ancient shrines. The landscape includes coastal plains, rivers, forests, hills, wetlands and wildlife sanctuaries. Among its natural wonders is Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish-water lagoon, home to migratory birds and the rare Irrawaddy dolphin. Odisha’s history is closely linked with the ancient kingdom of Kalinga. The region gained worldwide significance through the Kalinga War of 261 BCE between Emperor Ashoka and the people of Kalinga. The devastation of the conflict inspired Ashoka to embrace Buddhism, helping spread its message of peace across Asia. Over the centuries, Odisha flourished under dynasties such as the Mahameghavahanas, Somavamshis, Eastern Gangas and Gajapatis, leaving behind a rich legacy of temples, monuments and artistic achievements. Among Odisha’s greatest treasures is the sacred Jagannath Temple in Puri. Built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, it is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, and is one of Hinduism’s four Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Renowned for its wooden deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra, the temple symbolises inclusiveness and universal spirituality. Every year, millions gather for the grand Rath Yatra, when the deities are carried through the streets on enormous chariots. The Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the finest examples of mediaeval Indian architecture. Built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I, it was designed as a colossal stone chariot dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. Twelve intricately carved wheels and seven stone horses appear to pull the temple across the heavens. Its sculptures depict dancers, musicians, celestial beings, animals and scenes from daily life, reflecting the artistic and cultural richness of ancient Odisha. In Bhubaneswar, the Lingaraj Temple stands as a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture. Dating to the 11th century, this Shiva temple remains an important pilgrimage centre. Nearby, the Mukteswar Temple is admired for its carved gateway, while the Rajarani Temple is renowned for its graceful sculptures. Beyond its temples, Odisha offers numerous historical and natural attractions. The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves provide insights into the region’s early religious history, while Puri is celebrated for both its sacred temple and golden beaches. Nature lovers are drawn to Similipal National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its forests, waterfalls, elephants, tigers and biodiversity. Odisha’s artistic heritage is among the richest in India. Temple sculptures, renowned for their beauty and symbolism, depict gods, dancers, warriors, animals and scenes from daily life. Odisha is also the birthplace of Odissi, one of India’s oldest classical dance forms, inspired by temple sculptures. Traditional arts such as Pattachitra painting, silver filigree work, stone carving, appliqué crafts and handloom weaving continue to flourish. The state’s vibrant festivals add another dimension to its cultural identity. While the Rath Yatra is its most famous celebration, festivals such as Raja Parba, Boita Bandana, Chandan Yatra, Durga Puja, Makar Mela and the Konark Dance Festival showcase Odisha’s traditions, maritime heritage and artistic excellence. In recent years, Odisha has emerged as one of India’s most dynamic tourism destinations. Improved infrastructure, enhanced air connectivity, heritage conservation initiatives and ecotourism projects have increased its appeal to travellers worldwide. The state has successfully promoted heritage, wildlife, beach and tribal tourism while preserving its unique cultural character. The best time to visit Odisha is between October and March, while travellers wishing to experience the Rath Yatra can plan their visit during June or July. Odisha is far more than a destination; it is a living museum of India’s history, faith, art and natural beauty. Whether marvelling at the stone chariot of Konark, experiencing the devotion of Puri, exploring the temples of Bhubaneswar or watching dolphins in Chilika Lake, visitors discover a state that leaves an enduring impression. Rich in heritage yet vibrant with modern energy, Odisha remains one of India’s most rewarding travel experiences. (The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)

Knives out in legislature

Updated: Mar 21, 2025

Disha Salian

Mumbai: Death of celebrity manager Disha Salian in 2020 once again rocked the Maharashtra legislature on Thursday. While cabinet ministers Nitesh Rane and Shambhuraj Desai demanded that Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray be arrested in the case, BJP MLA Amit Satam in the assembly and another BJP member Chitra Wagh in the council demanded that the report of SIT to probe Salian’s death be made public.


Incidentally, amidst repeated disruptions in both the houses, some members from the treasury benches were seen speaking in favour of Aditya Thackeray, while Shiv Sena (UBT) members like Adv Anil Parab were seen supporting the BJP members’ demand that the report of the SIT probe be made public. In addition, there were allegations and counter allegations and personal accusations among members from the treasury and opposition benches which led to heated debate on occasions.


The opposition termed the attempts from the treasury benches to link Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray’s name in the case, as a ‘conspiracy’.


“I think this matter has gone to the court. We have no idea what he (Disha’s father) has said, but Aaditya Thackeray is a mature leader, a young leader. The Bharatiya Janata Party is conspiring to defame him by putting pressure on him. We don’t need to answer to this conspiracy. The court will answer,” Ambadas Danve said.


Earlier in the day, when the house gathered for the business, Minister of State for Home appraised the assembly of the status in this case. “SIT has been formed to probe in the case. Their report has not been received as yet. However, the government shall act according to directives from the court,” the minister told the house.


Another BJP minister Nitesh Rane, however, said that since Satish Salian has levelled allegations against an MVA minister, that leader be treated like a common person and that everybody should be treated equally before the law. Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai too supported the demand. “Since the allegations are grave, the person in question should be immediately arrested and the case be investigated,” he said.


Later, while speaking to media in the legislature premises, Rane asked Uddhav Thackeray to come clean on the issue. “If they say that we are politicizing the issue, Uddhav Thackeray should also tell the people why he had called, not just once but twice, to the then union minister Narayan Rane urging him to save his son?” Rane said.


He also accused the opposition of shying away from coming clean on the issue. “If they feel that we are not telling the truth, they should say so in the house. But they are shying away from doing so. Bhaskar Jadhav, who is always aggressive, was nowhere to be seen when this issue came up in the house. Sunil Prabhu too escaped the house under the pretext of a phone call. I challenge them to say that whatever I said on the issue is wrong,” Rane said.


He also said that Aditya Thackeray should resign on moral grounds till his name is cleared in the case.


BJP MLA Amit Satam demanded that the details of the SIT probe be made public so that the people would know if the probe is headed in right direction.


Interestingly, while the ruling parties were targeting the opposition in the case, senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar surprised all with his unexpected support to Thackerays. “I do not have any evidences in the case. But if her father has made any fresh allegations that needs to be investigated thoroughly. The assembly can discuss the issue at length tomorrow. In the meanwhile, members like Rane, who seem to have some evidences in the case should hand them over to the investigating agencies and help the probe,” he told the house.


Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Gaikwad and Sheetal Mhatre too toed the line and demanded that more and more evidences should come forth.


Similarly, when members of treasury benches were pushing for revealing the details of the probe till date to the public, Shiv Sena (UBT) member Anil Parab supported the demand. “Doing that shall conclusively prove the innocence of Aditya Thackeray,” he said.

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