Culture of Orissa

Culture of Orissa -

The total population of Orissa is 31,659,736. The decadal growth rate is 20.06%. The density per square km is 203. Sex ratio: 971 females per 1,000 males. The literacy rate is 40.09%.

More than 80% of people live in picturesque villages nestling among palm trees and mango groves. They decorate their cottages with lovely murals in white. Their motifs are derived from the life they see around - sheaves of paddy, caparisoned elephants, sinewy tigers, and the magnificent temples which dominate Orissa's landscape. Normally, the dhoti an unstitched garment, about 4.5 m in length and the chadar adorn their bodies. There is grace and rhythm in whatever they do, whether carrying loads, cultivating their fields or putting their boats to sea.

Orissa is the only state whose history starts with genuine documentary records of historic arts such as dances, combats, music, orchestras, festivals and plays. One of the foremost is the puppet theatre: string and rod puppetry, and shadow puppetry. Three of the important solo performances are Galpasagara, the Kathaka and the Harikatha. Dasakatha is a unique show involving two artists. Chhau Nata is internationally known for its vivacity and colourful masks. The Danda Nata is devotional in form. Themes from Mahabharata find a place in Dwari Nata, a very popular theme.

Dance and music are also an important part of the cultural heritage for many Orissans. Orissan music is known for its unique rhythm. The tribal dancers wear elaborate costumes when performing the dances. The dance that originated in Orissa is known as the Odissi. Odissi, has often been described as sculpted motion with postures that reflect the temple statues of Orissa.

Orissa Cuisine Food -

Cuisine of Orissa is easy simple and delicious. Food preparations in the state are almost the same as that of its neighboring states Bihar and West Bengal due to the similar geographical conditions.

Delicacies made of prawns, crabs, fish, chicken and eggs prepared by experts are widely available at the eating joints and the specialized restaurants. The most popular is fish of both salt water and fresh water.

¤ The Orissan Delight

Rice and Vegetable Delights
Rice is the major food crop and the staple diet of the people of Orissa. Vegetables grown in plenty are essential of the meal and form a large part of Orissan diet. 'Pancha-phutana' a mixture of cumin, mustard, fennel, fenugreek and black cumin is used for seasoning vegetables and dals.

Besides rice and vegetables the people of Orissa also relish fish and other sea food delicacies like prawns, crabs and lobsters as they are available in abundance in the unending coastline of the state.

Curd As An Essential Source Of Flavor

The Oriya delicacies are calorie free due to its less consumption of oil but at the same time the preparations are quite spicy and tasty. Curd and coconut milk find great use in the diet of the people. The curd here is rich and creamy and gives an additional flavor to the preparations.

It is not only the seafood which is traditionally cooked in curd and coconut milk but also brinjals and pumpkins are largely cooked in curd with mustard seeds giving the whole preparation that extra zing.

Mouth Watering Sweet Delicacies

People of Orissa are also very much fond of sweets and many of Orrian sweet dishes are quite popular all over the country. Milk preparations like Rasgulla, Rasmalai, Khirmohan, Rasabali, Kalakand are just fabulous, once tasted- then it's just irresistible. Chhenapodapitha, the caramelised custard-like dessert is popular not only with the locals but also with the tourists.

Snacks

Pithas made out of powdered grams, like chakuli, kakara, monda are served as local snacks - a traditional preparation that requires great expertise. These pithas of are delicious preparations much loved by the locals as well as tourists.

'Mahaprasad'- The Food Of Lord Jagannath

Another traditional delicacy 'Mahaprasad' or the sacred food offered as 'Bhog' to Lord Jagannath. This rich food is available at the Anand Bazar of the Jagannath Temple.

The specialty of 'mahaprasad' preparation lies in its massive cooking that takes place in the temple kitchen that is believed to be the biggest kitchen in the world. Nearly 400 highly efficient cooks work around 200 fireplaces daily to feed over 10,000 people.

Taking Essential Care

Most eating joints in Orissa like hotels and restaurants are specializes in multi-cuisine, and takes special care in preparing delicacies out of fish and other sea creatures. The fish and prawn on the Orissa coastal lines are totally free from toxic substances like mercury and lead etc. Take a trip to Orissa and enjoy its most delicious preparations really unique to the region.