Spellings Are- Odisha, Odia And Odissi

ODISHA

Odisha refers to a culturally and naturally-rich beautiful state located in eastern India. 
Odisha was the first state of India that was formed on linguistic basis. We celebrate 1 April every year as Utkala Dibasa.
Note- Odisha was previously called "Orissa." 
The spelling has been changed to "ODISHA" in 2011.

Courtesy: Odisha Tourism

Many are still not aware and continue to use the old spelling.
Others have to use the old name i.e. "Orissa" as their company/office's name is yet to be changed viz. "Orissa Minerals Development Company.".
Some others cannot change their name viz. the Geographical Indications (GI) of Odisha that had been filed when the state had its old name; thus - "Orissa Ikat" and "Orissa Pattachitra".
Odisha has been known by many names over the centuries- the most famous names being "Kalinga" and "Utkala". More information here.

ODIA

Odia refers to Odia language.
Odia is the sixth classical language of India. This classical Indo-Aryan language is spoken in the Indian state of Odisha. It is the official language in Odisha
As per the Wikipedia, Odia is the 10th-most-spoken language in India by total speakers (36,609,122)

#Odisha has skilled weavers who specialize in calligraphy on cloth!
Imagine weaving in Odia, Hindi & English!
Lord Jagannath wears Odisha Handlooms too.#blog #handlooms #weaves
Handlooms of Odisha-https://t.co/Vk6Xf7FCYF#NationalHandloomDay #NationalHandloomDay2018 pic.twitter.com/VYo1YJ6OVk

— Dr. Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) August 7, 2018

Odia refers to Odisha's literature, food, festivals, songs etc. - anything related to Odisha.

Odia also refers to the people of Odisha.

If someone asks you, "Are you an Odia?", they probably want to know if you are born in an Odia family i.e. born to Odia parents.
If you answer in the affirmative, they may start conversing with you in Odia language.
I have often done this on meeting 'Odias' outside the state, and then realized that not all Odias can speak Odia. Reasons:
1. Some Odias born to Odia father and non-Odia mother know their "mother-tongue" that's not Odia, but a different language.
2. Some Odias, born to Odia parents, but raised outside the state, know the local language better than Odia; they can barely read and write Odia, at best they can understand a few words and sentences...

Thinking on broader terms, an Odia is anyone related to Odisha in the past or present; also those who are or who were residing in Odisha. This can be stated by taking into consideration the profiles of members of many "Odia" groups in social media; such groups constitute of people with links with Odisha.

If someone asks you, "What are the people of Odisha called?", please give the correct answer - ODIA.
Note- Kindly DO NOT answer- Oriya/Odiya/Oriyan/Orissan/Odissi... as all these are past/incorrect spellings.

ODISSI

Odissi refers to the classical dance form of Odisha.
Odissi also refers to the classical music of Odisha, mostly used for the dances.
More info about Odissi is in the posts- Odissi Dance and Perfect Odissi Odyssey.

Renowned for its lyrical grace, rhythmic variations and dramatic expression, the Odissi dance celebrates the divine and the human, the sublime and the ordinary. #IncredibleIndia @tourismgoi pic.twitter.com/QWBDfhnOAg

— Incredible!ndia (@incredibleindia) April 15, 2019

Humble Request- If you find anyone misspelling the name of our state, language or dance etc., please inform them and ask them to use the correct spellings.

Had you heard about Odisha, Odia and Odissi? What are your views? Do share in the comments below.



O for- Odisha, Odia, Odissi
I am blogging related to Odisha, India for the #AtoZChallenge this year.
Do check out my other #A2Z posts here.

Netherlands And Odisha - Shared Heritages

Odisha, a state in eastern India, has links with many nations. Kalinga's maritime trade is legendary and such memories are celebrated even today every year on Kartik Purnima as Boita Bandana and Bali Jatra. Odisha and Bali connection is also famous. However, Odisha's trade-links with Netherlands and other European nations is not that well known. 

Few people know about the history un de voc in the region of Bengal, which used to be Odisha (Odisha) and Myanmar (Burma). Dr. Carel Tenhaeff, a Dutch sociologist, undertook the journey from Netherlands to Odisha intending to share this unknown piece of history.

Maritime Trade of Kalinga Odisha

Odisha, previously called Kalinga, has a rich cultural link with many nations. Dr. Lalatendu Das Mohapatra, Assistant Director of Archives, National Archives, Bhubaneswar spoke on "Maritime Heritage of Odisha" in Bhubaneswar on 29th March, 2019. I attended his talk that was held at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

Having done extensive research on the maritime trade and heritage of Odisha, and also having published his PhD thesis as a book, Dr. Das Mohapatra is an authority on this subject. His presentation was very informative. He shared interesting info about Odisha's trade in her glorious past.

Apart from doing trade with foreign nations, the adventurous and enterprising Odia merchants ensured local trade too. 

I never knew that Odisha had such trade-links with Goa. There is cultural resemblance of goddesses, food etc in Goa and Odisha.

Why Do I Frequently Forget?

What makes me forget some wise words?
"Be the change you want to see".
"Keep your head when others are losing theirs"
I wonder why do I forget frequently?

"An eye for an eye & a tooth for a tooth-
Makes the whole world blind";
Still, why I get caught unaware at times?
Why do these words escape my mind?

Lingaraj Temple And Liminal View

The Lingaraj Temple is a spectacular temple located in the old town area of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

View of Lingaraj Temple from the bank of Bindusagar Tank

The temple stands as a testimony to the amazing expertise, skill and experience of Odia architects and artisans. The Lingaraj Temple was built by three generations of Somavamsi kings. It is believed that the temple's construction was over by 1114 AD when Anantavarman Chodagangadeva was the ruler of Odisha. 

Khaja - Puri Mahaprasad And Popular Sweet Of Odisha

Khaja is a multi-layered and crispy sweet. It is a very popular sweet of Odisha. It is also one of the mahaprasad (bhoga i.e. offering) that is offered to Lord Jagannath.
Made of maida (flour) and dipped in sugar syrup, Khaja is a sweet treat.

Jaugada - Ashokan Major Rock Edict In Odisha

Jaugada is an ancient fort that served as a Mauryan fortified capital of the Kalinga province. Jaugada is located near the cities of Berhampur and Purushottampur in Ganjam district of Odisha, India.

Jaugada is an important archaeological and historical site. 
Did you know that Jaugada is the second place in Odisha where there is a major Ashokan rock edict, also known as Kalinga edict?
Though many of us are aware of Dhauli - the first place in Odisha where there is Kalinga edict, Jaugada is not as well-known. 

Images of Lord Jagannath And Black Hole

The recent photo of the M87 black hole named Powehi reminds me of Lord Jagannath's eyes. 
(Note- So far only one black hole has been photographed. The above image is edited and I have placed a copy of the first black hole by its side. The Universe has millions of black holes.)

Lord Jagannath is the "Lord of the Universe".

Suna Besha (Golden attire) of Lord Jagannath during Ratha Jatra (Chariot Festival) at Puri, Odisha, India

Lord Jagannath on way to His Chariot during Ratha Jatra (Rath Yatra / Car Festival) at Puri, Odisha, India

Heritage Sites Around Bhubaneswar

There are many heritage sites in and around Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Bhubaneswar is called the 'temple city'. Out of the thousands of temples and heritage sites that were once existent, some exist. 

There are many lesser-known heritage sites around Bhubaneswar and its twin city, Cuttack.

Gandhiji, Swadeshi Spirit And Handloom

During a seminar in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, when I was addressing a room full of youth, I asked them, “How many of you have at least one handloom garment in your wardrobe?” I was shocked to see that just a few hands went up. I urged everyone to choose handloom garments the next time they go shopping.

What is stopping us from wearing garments manufactured in India and adopting the ‘swadeshi’ spirit like what our father of the nation, Gandhiji, advocated?