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.
Orissa 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. |
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