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Central & East India · State

Odisha

Temple architecture from Bhubaneswar to Konark, the Chilika lagoon, tribal highlands and the annual chariot festival at Puri.

Capital
Bhubaneswar
Languages
Odia (official); Sambalpuri, Ho, Santali — major and official languages, not an exclusive list.

Cultural traditions, arts & crafts

  • Odissi classical dance
  • Pattachitra scroll painting and palm-leaf etching
  • Sambalpuri ikat and Bomkai weaving
  • Silver filigree (tarakasi) from Cuttack

Major festivals

  • Rath Yatra, PuriJune–July (dates vary — verify current dates)
  • Konark Dance FestivalDecember (dates vary — verify current dates)
  • Raja ParbaJune
Open the festival calendar for Odisha

Traditional dress & textiles

Dress varies by community, district, occasion and generation; everyday clothing today is often contemporary. These are representative traditions rather than a single state costume.

  • Sambalpuri ikat and Bomkai saris are worn for festivals and weddings
  • Men wear dhoti with a gamucha at rituals; kurta-pyjama is common elsewhere
  • Tribal communities in Koraput and Kandhamal wear distinct beadwork and metal jewellery

Where to go

Show Odisha on the explore map

Sources & verify

Last reviewed: August 2026. Cultural traditions in India vary by community, district, occasion and generation. The notes below are representative examples reviewed against government sources, not exhaustive or official definitions. Festival timings follow lunar or locally announced calendars — verify current dates with the relevant state tourism department before travelling.