ORISSA

CAPITAL-BHUBNASAWAR

LIST OF CHEIF MINISTERS OF ORISSA

#	NAME	TOOK OFFICE	LEFT OFFICE	PARTY
01	Harekrushna Mahatab	26 January 1950	12 May 1950	Indian National Congress
02	Nabakrushna Choudhury	12 May 1950	15 October 1956	Indian National Congress
03	Harekrushna Mahatab	15 October 1956	25 February 1961	Indian National Congress
04	Biju Pattanaik	28 June 1961	02 October 1963	Indian National Congress
05	Biren Mitra	02 October 1963	21 February 1965	Indian National Congress
06	Sadashiva Tripathy	02 October 1965	08 March 1967	Indian National Congress
07	Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo	08 March 1967	09 January 1971	Swatantra Party & ORISSA Jana Congress
08	Biswanath Das	03 April 1971	14 June 1972	United Fornt (Swatantra Party + Utkal Congress + Jharkhand Party)
09	Nandini Satpathy	14 June 1972	03 March 1973	Indian National Congress
10	Nandini Satpathy	06 March 1973	16 December 1976	Indian National Congress
11	Binayak Acharya	29 December 1976	25 June 1977	Indian National Congress
12	Nilamani Routray	25 June 1977	17 February 1980	Janta Party
13	Janaki Ballabh Pattanaik	09 June 1980	07 December 1989	Indian National Congress
14	Hemananda Biswal	07 December 1989	05 March 1990	Indian National Congress
15	Biju Pattanaik	05 March 1990	15 March 1995	Janta Dal
16	Janaki Ballabh Pattanaik	15 March 1995	17 February 1999	Indian National Congress
17	Giridhar Gamang	17 February 1999	06 December 1999	Indian National Congress
18	Hemananda Biswal	06 December 1999	05 March 2000	Indian National Congress
19	Naveen Patnaik	05 March 2000	Present	Biju Janta Dal

ELECTED POLITICAL OFFICIALS OF ORISSA

Lok Sabha members of ORISSA

#	CONSTITUENCY	NAME OF MEMBERS	PARTY
01	Aska	Swain,Shri Hari Har	BJD
02	Balasore	Swain,Shri M.A. Kharabela	BJP
03	Berhampur	Sahu,Shri Chandra Sekhar	INC
04	Bhadrak (SC)	Sethi,Shri Arjun Charan	BJD
05	Bhubaneswar	Patasani,Dr. (Prof.) Prasanna Kumar	BJD
06	Bolangir	Singh Deo,Smt. Sangeeta Kumari	BJP
07	Cuttack	Mahtab,Shri Bhartruhari	BJD
08	Deogarh	Pradhan,Shri Dharmendra	BJP
09	Dhenkanal	Satpathy,Shri Tathagata	BJD
10	Jagatsinghpur	Panda,Shri Brahmananda	BJD
11	Jajpur (SC)	Jena,Shri Mohan	BJD
12	Kalahandi	Deo,Shri Bikram Keshari	BJP
13	Kendrapara	Nayak,Smt. Archana	BJD
14	Keonjhar (ST)	Nayak,Shri Ananta	BJP
15	Koraput (ST)	Gamang,Shri Giridhar	INC
16	Mayurbhanj (ST)	Marndi,Shri Sudam	JMM
17	Nowrangpur (ST)	Majhi,Shri Parsuram	BJP
18	Phulbani (SC)	Singh,Shri Sugrib	BJD
19	Puri	Tripathy,Shri Braja Kishore	BJD
20	Sambalpur	Acharya,Shri Prasanna	BJD
21	Sundargarh (ST)	Oram,Shri Jual	BJP

Rajya Sabha members of ORISSA

#	NAME OF MEMBERS	PARTY
01	Khuntia Shri Ramachandra	INC
02	Kisan Shri Mangala	BJP
03	Majhi Shri Bhagirathi	BJP
04	Mohapatra Shri Pyarimohan	BJP
05	Nayak Dr. Radhakant	INC
06	Panda Shri B. J.	BJP
07	Pany Shri Rudra Narayan	BJP
08	Pradhan Smt. Renubala	BJP
09	Punj Shri Balbir	BJP
10	Tiriya Ms. Sushila	INC

OCCUPATION

Like other part of the country, the general Kosli people of this region are affluent class. They are in every sphere of occupation from basic agriculture to government, to private sector and into MNCs jobs holding good positions. But, due to the state government’s apathy towards the development of Kosal region, the unemployment problem persist among them in large number than the costal Orissa belt. Participation of Kosli people in state government jobs is very minimal. Almost all of the state government jobs in Kosal region are occupied by people from costal Orissa. The general Kosli people do business as well but confined in small sector only. Entrepreneurship skills lacks among them mostly. The Bhulia caste is very good at waving techniques and has brought many glories and awards such as Padmsri awards to the state. World famous Sambalpuri handlooms have reached to its zenith by the craftsmanship of this caste spread across Sambalpur- Bargarh- Sonepur tracts.

FOOD

DRESS

IMPORTANT PLACE

Bhubaneswar-

It is the capital town of this magnificent state and is located on the eastern side. It flaunts some of the finest temples and shrines that are counted among the tourist attractions in Orissa. It is an exemplary instance of the blend of age-old customs and traditions and contemporary aspirations. Lingaraja temple, Rajarani temple, Parasuramesvera temple and Yogini temple, Mukteswar, Siddheswar and Kedargauri temples are the important temples here. Handicrafts Museum, Khandagiri-Udayagiri Caves, Orissa State Museum and Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the must watch tourist spots located here.

Konark-

It is well-known all over the world for its outstanding Sun Temple, which is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. In addition to its breathtaking architectural wonders, the Konark Beach is also a famous place of tourist interest which also has one of the most delightful beaches of eastern India.

Puri-

It is one of the most frequented tourist destinations of Orissa and is known to be the abode of Lord Jagannath. Its beaches and splendid temples form the most important Orissa tourist attractions. Puri is also among one of the four important Hindu Dhams in India and is quite revered by the Hindu pilgrims. The leading attraction of Puri is the Jagannath Temple, one of the most popular as well as the biggest temples of Orissa. This temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath and was established in the 12th century.

Udaigiri & Khandagiri Caves-

Udaygiri & Khandagiri caves are some of the famous tourist attractions in Orissa. The most popular ones to mention would be Akshay Ganga, Gupta Ganga, Shyam Kund and Radha Kund. The most mystical among them all is the 24-Tirthankaras Cave as it features the carvings of the twenty-four Apostles of Jainism on the massive stones.

Ratnagiri-

It is an impressive Buddhist site which is located on a small hill and is surrounded by rivers all over. While ascending the hill you will come across wonderful vistas of vast plains with lush greenery. Two large monasteries, including Sri Ratnagiri Mahavihara Aryabhikshu Sangha were unearthed during the excavations that were carried out here.

Chilka Lake-

Chilka Lake is recognized for its exotic splendor and is one of the largest lakes not only India, but in the entire Asian continent stretching over an area of 1,100 sq km. It is an ideal picnic spot and offers ample scope for boating, fishing and bird watching. You can relax and spend some quality time here during your tour to Orissa.

Lingaraj Temple-

It is one of the important tourist attractions in Orissa and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is ornamented with stunning sculptures, which have been carved on the spire. The temple has a height of around 54.8 meters high and enshrines a massive statue of Lord Shiva which is made up of granite.

Major Tribes-

There are 62 tribal communities residing in Orissa today. They are scattered to all parts of the Orissa. The major tribes of the state are Kondhs, Koyas, Gadabas, Oraon, Juangs, and Santals. According to the language, the tribes are divided into four groups, Indo-Aryan group, Dravidian group, Tibeto-Burmese group and Austric group. Tribes belonging to Tibeto-Burmese group no more stay in Orissa, thus all the tribes belong to the other three groups. Tribal people of Orissa are known to be immensely hardworking and lead a very subdued life. Various tribes engage in different occupation, but most are either into agriculture, fishing or hunting. Better settled tribes also work in mills and handicraft industries. Few tribes like Bondo and Gadaba have their own looms and make clothes for their own use.

Tara-Tarini-

It is one of the primeval `Shakti Pithas` of the state of India. It is most popular. In almost every household of Orissa, deities like Tara and Tarini are revered with great awe and devotion. They are Ista-Devi, the `presiding deity` of the state of Orissa. This temple lies on the top of the hill lying at a distance of thirty kms towards north of Berhampur. River Rushikulya also flow through it.

Jaugada-

It is the locale which houses the sculptured rock edifices built by Emperor Ashoka. It has its located at a place which is 35-km away from Berhampur.Gopalpur-on- sea is a haven for all those who love to spend their times amidst the bounty of coastal beaches. It is one of the important places of Berhampur, Orissa. It lies about sixteen kms from the city of Berhampur. This place also has got an interesting story behind it. During primitive time it is a large seaport where the people of Orissa carried naval trading with foreign countries like Indonesia. Even the famous Sadhavas carried on commercial activities in this ancient port. Remnants like crumbling walls, light house serve as proofs of its glorious past. It was during the British era it became a beach resort.

LANGUAGE

Oriya

Magadhi

FESTIVALS

Ratha Yatra-

The most famous Orissan festival is the Rath Yatra or Car Festival (June–July) which attracts pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. On the full moon day of the month of Jyestha known as Snana Yatra, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and sudarshana chakra are brought out and bathed on a pendal known as the SnanaMandap according to religious rites. Then they are believed to become indisposed and are confined to a solitary abode for a fortnight where they undergo 'treatment', are offered special ayurvedic medicine boli and some special liquid diet called 'sarapana'. After a rest of fifteen days, on the second day of the lunar month, Ashadha shukla Dvitiya the three Lords 'come out' in huge chariots to 'meet' the waiting devotees, marking the start of the Grand Festival known as 'Ratha Yatra'.

Dhanu Yatra-

Is one of the famous yatra of Orissa is celebrated specially in Bargarh every year to recall Lord Krishna's visit to Mathura. Episodes relating to Lord Krishna's visit to Mathura is performed with King Kansha ruling over his subjects in reality for some days. The town Bargarh becomes Mathura, the river Jira becomes Yamuna and the village Amapali on the other side of the river bank becomes Gopa.

Dola Purnima-

Is celebrated all over Orissa on the full-moon day in the month of 'Falguna'. The day succeeding Dola Purnima is celebrated as Holi, which is one of the most popular and colourful festival of Orissa.

Durga Puja-

Is a famous festival of Orissa celebrated in September-October. Goddess Durga is worshiped as the symbol of the victory of good over evil . Cuttack is well known for Durga Puja. On the day succeeding Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra, the idols are taken in a spectacular procession for immersion in the river Kathajodi .

Ganesh Puja-

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the month of August or September in the honour of Lord Ganesh.

Konark Dance Festival-

The Annual Konark Festival is a mega celebration of classical dance forms of the country, Where some of the best dancers of the country come to perform on the occasion of Magha Saptami. Magha Saptami Celebrated on the seventh day of the new moon of Magha for the worship of the Sun God at Konark.

Makara Sankranti-

The first day of the month of 'Magha' is celebrated as Makara Sankranti when the Sun enters the orbit of Capricorn. The festival can be bset enjoyed at Kalijai (an island in Chilika Lke), Atri, Ghatagaon, Keonjhar, Jashipur and Jagatsinghpur.

Patua Yatra-

Is the yatra celebrated in honour of Goddess Gauri or Mangala .

Puri Beach Festival-

Is celebrated on Puri Beach where events range from fashion shows to rock shows.

Ramanavami-

The birthday of Lord Rama is observed on the ninth day of the month of Chaitra.

Rathayatra-

Is the most famous festival celebrated in Orissa on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha (June-July) when Lord Jagannath along with Lord Balavadra and Subhadra is taken out in the chariot procession so that people of all caste and religion can see the Lords.

Bali Yatra-

Bali Yatra is a hugely popular fair held on the banks of Mahanadi River in the fort area of Cuttack city as well at the seashore at Paradeep. To celebrate the glory of the ancient times, the people in Cuttack as well as in the rest of Orissa float small boats made of cork, colored paper and banana tree barks in the river and water tanks. The ritual of launching tiny paper boats lit by lamps placed within its hollow is known as Boita Bandana.

Raja Parva-

Raja is another special Oriya festival celebrated by girls. It is observed for three consecutive days from the day preceding Mithuna Sankrati (similar to Ambubachi Mela of Assam) to the two day following it during which Mother Earth is supposed to be in her menstrual period; it is thus a fertility rite. The girls decked in their sartorial best sway in swings and pray to Mother Earth for their welfare. It is one of the moat memorable festivals of rural Orissa along with Kumara Purnima which is held on the full-moon night of the month of Aswin, soon after Durga Puja. The latter is also celebrated by girls for the well-being of their brothers and for obtaining handsome husbands.