Dhauli #AToZChallenge

Dhauli hill (Dhauligiri) is located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. The hill has a famous monument- 'Peace Pagoda' or 'Shanti Stupa' atop it. As the name suggests, the 'Shanti Stupa' was built to commemorate the triumph of 'peace' and to explain the importance of non-violence.

Dhauligiri is located on the banks of the River Daya. The area was the battlefield of the Kalinga War in 261 BC. It is said that the Kalinga War caused such a lot of bloodshed that the colour of the water of River Daya turned red. The word 'Daya' means compassion. The Kalinga War reformed and transformed bloodthirsty Ashoka (Chandasok) to a peace-loving religious Ashoka (Dhammasok). 

The Shanti Stupa can be spotted from the road while travelling from Bhubaneswar to Puri or vice-versa. Dhauli was built in the 1970s by the Japan Buddha Sangha and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha.

Some rock edicts of Ashoka can be viewed on the way to the Dhauli hill summit. 

Dhauli has four great statues of Buddha in different positions. The blissful and serene ambiance delights visitors.

Imaging Chilika #AToZChallenge

Chilika Lake in Odisha is the largest coastal lagoon in India and it is the largest brackish water lake. Covering an area of over 1100 square kilometres, Chilika Lake is a nature-lover's paradise.

Chilika has inspired many poets and writers.

"O Chilika! Your verdant waters are bedecked with swans,
You grant bliss to Kamala, the goddess of Utkala's wellness.
You adorn Utkala like a luminous jewel,
You are indeed the treasure-trove of enchanting beauty"
                                                                                          - Chilika by Radhanath Roy

A seminar and photography exhibition 'Imaging Chilika' was held at Regional Museum of Natural History, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. 

Chilika Lake related photographs were on display. The best ones had won prizes.

Technical sessions were conducted by esteemed guests and speakers.

Every year,  Chilika attracts thousands of of migratory birds.

 

What is unique about the Chilika Lake that birds keep flocking here? 

Chilika's size, Hydrology, Macrophyte density etc favors the large congregation of migratory birds.

Apart from the international avian tourists, national and international visitors visit Chilika and are awed by its features.

Chilika Lake should be on every travel-lover's list.

I'm participating in my second #atozchallenge. C for Chilika Lake.

My Theme is- "Odisha- The Soul of Incredible India".

Odisha is a state in the eastern part of India. Have you visited Odisha and India? 

I will be sharing some glimpses from Odisha. Do keep reading and discovering!

4th Kalinga International Buddhist Conclave #AToZChallenge

Odisha was previously called Kalinga. 

The Kalinga War was won by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. Odisha was the land that transformed the blood thirsty king to a benevolent human, who embraced Buddhism. Emperor Ashoka sent his children, Mahendra and Sanghamitra along with Buddhist missionaries as peace ambassadors to different nations like Sri Lanka etc. to propagate Buddhism.

Odisha played host to the 4th Kalinga International Buddhist Conclave held from April 10-12, 2017. 

The event was organized by Odisha Tourism, Govt. of Odisha. The Day-1 of the Conclave began at Udayagiri on April 10, 2017.

1st April - Odisha Day #UtkalaDibasa #AToZChallenge

The date April 1st is very special for the state of Odisha, the 'Soul of Incredible India'.
April 1st is celebrated as Odisha Day, Odisha Dibasa, Utkala Dibasa or Utkal Divas.

While d world is observing #aprilfoolsday 🌎,
proud to celebrate #UtkalaDibasa in #Odisha India 🇮🇳https://t.co/cAM8uxnwhx#BandeUtkalaJanani pic.twitter.com/8NftsBw9tG

— Dr. Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) April 1, 2017

'Utkala' was one of the earlier names of Odisha. 
'Utkala' finds a mention in 'Jana Gana Mana', the national anthem of India.
The word 'Utkala' means- 'Utkarsha Kala' i.e. 'The land of exquisite art and craft'.
The word 'Dibasa' means 'Day' in Odia language.
'Divas' or 'Diwas' means 'Day' in Hindi language.

Odisha state was formed as a separate province on 1st April, 1936. 
Odisha was the first state of India that was formed as a politically separate state under British rule on a linguistic basis. 
Thus, 1st April is celebrated as Odisha Day or Utkala Dibasa.