| Situated on the coast along
the Bay of Bengal, Orissa stands
for its ancient glory and modern endeavour.
Endowed with nature's bounty, a 482 km stretch
of coastline with virgin beaches,
serpentine rivers, mighty waterfalls,
forest-clad blue hills of Eastern Ghats
with rich wild life, Orissa
is dotted with exquisite temples,
historic monuments as well as pieces
of modern engineering feat. The land,
while retaining its pristine glory, also
offers the visitors modern amenities.
Its lush green countryside and fertile
plains, tiny hamlets fringed with palm,
coconut trees and mango groves
offer the charm of rural beauty while the
urban pockets, the four cities in particular,
with the splendour of modern technology
provide the amenities necessary for a comfortable
stay.
This wonderful land of fascinating beauty
boasts of colourful festivals round
the year. Orissa is also the land
of unique handicrafts and other excellent
artefacts. Orissa has a long tradition
of art and architecture. The
early monuments date back to the
third century B.C. The remnant of an Ashokan
Pillar, turned into a Siva Lingam
and enshrined in the Bhaskaresvara
temple at Bhubaneswar and the
lion capital of an Ashokan pillar,
presently in the State Museum, speak
volumes of Orissa's past glory.
The rock-cut caves of Khandagiri and
Udaygiri and the inscriptions recording
Kharavela's short but eventful reign during
the first century B.C. constitute the second
phase of the evolution in Orissan art.
The Naga and Yaksha images found
in places around Bhubaneswar belong
to the post-Kharavela era. The fortification
of Sisupalgarh near Bhubaneswar
is yet another monument of ancient Orissa.
Orissa is also known for her exquisite
handicrafts. Silver filigree work
of Cuttack, horn work of Cuttack
and Parlakhemundi and the famous
applique work of Pipili deserve special
mention. Pattachitra, a form of folk
painting of Orissa, is a unique
craft. Brass and bell metalware,
particularly vases and candle
stands, are beautiful and longlasting.
The blackstone bowls and plates
of Nilagiri and Khiching and
multi-coloured stone statues are other attractions.
Silk and cotton handloom products,
especially Saris are simply bewitching.
The Sambalpuri saris and Maniabandhi
patas are matchless in their texture
and designs. |
