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?

Nice And New

Mother and daughter were on their way.

The roads looked very familiar to the former.

As her heart started beating faster, her daughter said, "Now get ready for a nice surprise!"

They were soon in front of a palace.

PHOTO PROMPT - Roger Bultot

Faith - First Step To Create Fabulous Structures

The temple city, Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha in India, has many heritage sites that stand as a testimony to faith.

Udayagiri Caves, Bhubaneswar

Whenever I see the various structures, I am filled with awe.
I often feel they stand here to tell their story and to teach us lessons.

Who were the skilled craftsmen who created such fabulous works of art?
How did they dream of shaping those rocks into fantastic sculptures, caves and monuments that have withstood the ravages of time?

Earth Day In Bhubaneswar

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 every year.

The whole idea is to become conscious and take care of our planet. Of course, we must do this every day and not simply dedicate one hour or one day as Earth Hour or Earth Day... Nevertheless, such initiatives are important to create the necessary awareness and action.

Last year, on April 22 2018, we had a great Earth Day celebration in my locality in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

The venue was- 'Amrut Vatika', a garden near IMFA Park, in Sahid-Nagar, Bhubaneswar. This was in collaboration with an NGO named 'Jeevan Rekha Parishad' and 'Kitchen Gardeners Association'.

There were posters with 'Go Green' and 'Save Trees' etc. messages that the school students displayed.

Book Reading With William Dalrymple At Bhubaneswar

We were excited to learn about author and historian William Dalrymple's book reading event at Bhubaneswar on 5th April 2019.
Odisha Tourism has invited William Dalrymple as a guest from April 5-8, 2019.
Last year, in January 2018, he was in Bhubaneswar for the Tata Steel Literary Festival. I had a chance to attend it and to speak to him.

The venue decided for this year's book reading was heritage site Mukteswar Temple, built in 950 AD, famous as the 'gem of Odisha architecture'.

Toshali Crafts Mela

Odisha, a state in eastern India, has amazing art, crafts and handlooms. All are very bright, colorful and beautiful.

There are many handicrafts and handlooms fairs and exhibitions that are held like the popular and famous Toshali Crafts Mela. It is held annually in December each year in the Janata Maidan ground in Bhubaneswar.

The New Bride

When the new bride entered their home after marriage, she was in for scrutiny.
The once lush green trees shed all their leaves overnight.

PHOTO PROMPT © Ronda Del Boccio

Odisha And Bali Connection

Odisha, erstwhile Kalinga, has a rich and ancient cultural and civilizational link with Bali, Indonesia, and other South East Asian nations like Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia etc.

Odisha Handloom - "Orissa Ikat" Saree with boat

Every year on Kartik Purnima in November, the Odias i.e. the people of Odisha, observe a traditional festival. As per the age-old custom, they float small paper-boats or boats made of other materials with earthen lamps and flowers. The water-bodies of Odisha- rivers, lakes and ponds are filled with hundreds of boats commemorating Odisha’s glorious maritime trade. This is called “Boita Bandana”.

Kandhamal Haladi Gets GI Tag #OdishaGI #UtkalaDibasa

April 1st is celebrated as Utkala Dibasa i.e. Odisha Day.

Odisha is a state in the eastern part of India that was formed on April 1, 1936.

Odisha is blessed with rich natural resources and beauty.

Odisha boasts of many unique products like the Kandhamal Haladi i.e. Kandhamal Turmeric.

It is a matter of great pride and joy that on the auspicious occasion of Utkala Dibasa, Kandhamal Haladi has earned India's latest Geographical Indication (GI) tag today.

The GI Application for "Kandhamal Haladi" was made by Kandhamal Apex Spices Association for Marketing (KASAM), an association of turmeric farmers of Kandhamal district of Odisha, India. 

The application was filed on 11th January 2018 by KASAM with the support of the Intellectual Property Rights cell of Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC), Bhubaneswar. Dr. Karthigeyan from CTTC, Ministry of MSME has facilitated GI Application No. 610 in respect of Haladi (Turmeric) falling in Class –30. 

Kandhamal Haladi is now the latest entrant in the list of the GIs of India under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.