Famous Festivals of Bhubaneswar You Must Attend Once in a Lifetime

Author: Manisha Nigam

Bhubaneswar is a city located in the state of Orissa and as all the cities in India has a set of special festivals that are celebrated with utmost enthusiasm. The city comes alive on these days of the festivals when people from all over the state, country and even the world visit to participate in them. You can also stay at hotels in Bhubaneswar and be a part of them. Here is the list of the most famous festivals:

  1. Makar MelaMakar Mela is a fair held in Bhubaneswar and all over Orissa on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. This is a festival celebrated when the crops are ready to be harvested. Being an agricultural state, this is one of the biggest festivals of the place.
  2. Durga PoojaDurga Pooja is celebrated during the months of September or October and is one of the biggest festivals not only in Bhubaneswar but all over India. The pandals are set and many avatars of goddess Durga are preached. It is celebrated for about four days.
  3. Maha ShivratriMaha Shivratri is a festival that is a festival that is held during the months of February and March to pray to Lord Shiva. The pilgrims and the Hindu followers fast all throughout the day and huge pujas are performed during the night.
  4. Megha MelaMagha Mela is one of the biggest fairs that is held in Bhubaneswar. You can visit the Mela or the fair by staying at hotels in Bhubaneswar near the railway station. The fair is filled with colors and is held on the days of Magha Saptami. The fair lasts for a week.
  5. Rajarani FestivalCelebrated in the month of January this is one of the most important music festivals of Bhubaneswar. The main aim of the festival is to promote regional music and art forms. The duration of the festival is for three days and some of the biggest performers are seen performing here.
  6. AshokastamiAlso known as Rath Yatra, Ashokashtami festival is held in April every year. The Lord Lingaraj is carried from the main temple where he resides to the Rameshwaram temple on a chariot. This is like a carnival and the whole community participates in it.
  7. Chhau FestivalChhau is the festival that is celebrated all over Orissa and depicts the tribal life and art forms of the state. The people pay homage to Lord Shiva during this festival. Many colorful dance forms are depicted during the parade.

Visiting Bhubaneswar during the times of festivals is one of the best experiences any person can have in their lives. The place is at its best and with all the festivities, it looks beautiful. Make sure to get your hotel bookings in advance because the hotels are usually jam-packed during these days.