Celebrating Dussehra & Durga Puja in Odisha | Shopping, Famous Pandals, Food

Durga Puja in Odisha (Odia: ଦୁର୍ଗା ପୂଜା) is observed as Sharadiyo Durga Puja in the Oriya month of Aswina (September–October) and Kalipuja (October–November), which is celebrated with utmost solemnity, gaiety, and éclat.

The harvest time or Sharadiya function is known as different names in Odisha: Dussehra, Durgapuja, Akal Bodhan, Shodasa Upachara, Durgotsava, Sharadiya Utsava and so forth.
This time of the season feels so magical and beautiful. I'm sure that you will be feeling the same.

SHOPPING:

You can shop quality handloom products from OdiKala.com and Get Flat 20% Off + Additional 10% off on orders above Rs.2000, Using code DUSSEHRA10.

The mix of tradition, creative, imaginative, inventive, original age-old design coupled with superb craftsmanship makes Handloom Products a rustic styling trend & makes these become very popular of late both in India & abroad.
Sambalpuri Cotton Sarees:
Sambalpuri Saree is a traditional hand woven ikat or sari or saree (locally called sadhi) wherein the warp and the weft is tie-dyed before weaving. It is produced in the Bargarh, Sonepur, Sambalpur, Balangir district, Boudh District of Odisha. The saree is a traditional female garment in the Indian Subcontinent consisting of a strip of unstitched cloth ranging from four to nine meters in length that is draped over the body in various styles.

Click here to go to Sambalpuri Cotton Sarees Collections.

Sambalpuri Silk Sarees:

Sambalpuri Silk Sarees are the best option for this festive occasion. You can't go wrong with this, Silk Sarees from OdiKala are Genuine & Pure. Perfect for Festive Season like this, Marriages, Partys, Family Functions.

Click here to go to Sambalpuri Silk Sarees Collections.

Bomkai Silk Sarees:

These are the traditional designs that were produced in the village named Bomkai of Ganjam district of Odisha. Currently produced in Sonepur district of Odisha.

Click here to go to Bomkai Silk Sarees Collections.

Bomkai Cotton Sarees:
Handwoven by the Bhulia weavers, the technique originated in the Bomkai region of Odisha. Using the Jala technique, the famed Bomkai patterns are intricately designed and woven into sarees.

Click Here to go to Bomkai Cotton Sarees Collection.

All Other Handloom Sarees:

Handwoven Cotton Sambalpuri & Bomkai Dress Materials:

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MUST VISIT PANDALS:

So, are you ready for all night revelry on the streets? We’ve curated the top pandals that need to be on your bucket list this Durga Puja. Check out the most anticipated pandals you won’t want to miss!

Satya Nagar, Bhubaneswar	Not only will you be awestruck by the light decor here but also the details! Artisans are cutting dried leaves according to the design, painting it and then fixing it on the pandal structure.
Rasulgarh, Bhubaneswar	Keeping with the eco-friendly theme, Rs.35 lakh has been spent on artisans from Bengal to build the entire marquee from mirrors, bangles and glass bottles. It also offers the easiest access for disabled people.
Saheed Nagar, Bhubaneswar	Prepare you for a stunning visual as a 20 foot high silver backdrop fashioned with 30 large peacock figures is being prepared by 25 artisans.
Choudhury Bazaar, Cuttack	The oldest chandi medha in town is now being embedded with gold. They also have a special treat in store for you; ‘dahi pakhal’ and ‘janhi poda’  as prasad!
Ganesh Ghat, Cuttack	Witness a majestic five-headed Shiva idol, surrounded by trees and snakes worth Rs.80 lakh. The intrinsic silver filigree work has been going on for 6 months, you’ll have to see it to believe it!

EAT, DRINK AND ENJOY:

Get ready to put smiles on your face and happiness on your plates! Take your taste-buds on a ride to uncover the food paradise that awaits you.
Biriyani Box, Patia, Bhubaneswar
Spoil yourself with the ultimate selection of lip-smacking biriyanis available at this local fix. The prompt and lively service promises never to bore you.

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Mainland China, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar
Be prepared to arrive at a magnificent buffet spread set amidst a beautiful ambience. Mainland China is known for injecting glorious authenticity into its food. And then some more.

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Nakli Dhaba, Mayfair Lagoon, Bhubaneswar
Next, you might be begging for an encore of divine flavours. Nakli Dhaba is where you will get to experience the ASLI dhaba-cooked goodness with impeccable service.

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Pabrai’s Fresh and Naturelle Ice Cream, Jayadev Vihar, Bhubaneswar

You don’t need an excuse to indulge in this guilty pleasure. Allow yourself to fall in love with the rich and natural ice-cream flavors here and become a fan!

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Golden Spoon, Buxi Bazaar, Cuttack
Known for its variety of Indian and Chinese food, this old gem has established that Golden Spoon serves golden food! And if you’re lucky you’ll get to enjoy a live piano performance.

Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary

The Balukhand Sanctuary or the Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the eminent sanctuaries that dot the landscape of the state of Orissa. The sanctuary also illustrates the diverse natural heritage that the picturesque state is blessed with. The beauty and splendor of the panoramic vistas are further accentuated by the variegated species of fauna and the lush flora. Consequently, the Orissa Wildlife Tours are a rage with the tourists.


A well known Orissa Wildlife Sanctuary, the Balukhand Sanctuary hugs the coastline in between Puri and Konark. Sited in Orissa’s Puri district, the moderately sized sanctuary encompasses an area of 72 sq. km and is an oasis of idyllic green. Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary in Orissa, India was established in the year of 1984. The verdant green and serene ambiance is a welcome refuge for the city slicker tourists.


The coastal ecosystem, with its luxuriant lush green vegetation, undisturbed sandy beaches, and good road network including marine drive road offer high potentialities for developing as a major eco-tourism spot.The sand spits at river mouths provide favorable nesting sites for endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. Mangrove vegetation is very sparse In this coastal ecosystem. It is confined to the confluence of rivers Kadua and Prachi with the Bay of Bengal.

Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary in Orissa, India houses a variety of flora and fauna. Some of the important fauna that you can see here consists of spotted deer, black buck, monkey, squirrel, striped hyena, jackal, jungle cat, and mongoose. This sanctuary is also home to a wide range of birds and reptiles. Significant flora housed in Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary are Anacardium, Casuarina, neem, tamarind, and Karanja, to name a few.


This is perhaps the only protected area in the state where a population of about 100 blackbucks live and show a preference for sandy areas including coastal sand dunes.The Indian Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), is one of the three species of antelopes found in Odisha. The other two are Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and the Chowsingha (Tetracercus quadricornis). All the three are even-towed (Artiodactyla) Bovids. Blackbuck is considered to be the fastest animal in the world next to Cheetah.