Cuttack is a city in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, known for its rich history, art, and culture. It is also known as the cultural capital of Odisha. The city celebrates a number of festivals throughout the year, which are a mix of religious and cultural events.
The city is also referred to as the "Silver City" due to its prominent role in the silver filigree work industry. The festivals celebrated in Cuttack are a testament to the city's vibrant and diverse culture. In this article, we will explore the top 6 festivals celebrated in Cuttack.
Exploring the Best of Cuttack Odisha
Top 6 Fairs and Festivals Celebrated in Cuttack
Durga Puja 🙏
Durga Puja is one of the most popular festivals celebrated in Cuttack. It is a five-day festival that celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in the city. People set up pandals (temporary structures) where the idol of Goddess Durga is worshipped. The pandals are beautifully decorated with lights, flowers, and other decorative items. The sound of dhak (a traditional drum) fills the air, and people offer prayers and perform puja during the festival.
Bali Jatra 🛳️
Bali Jatra is another popular festival celebrated in Cuttack. It is a cultural festival that commemorates the maritime history of Odisha. The festival is celebrated every year in the month of November. During the festival, people gather at the Mahanadi riverbank and set up stalls selling various products. The festival is also known as the festival of boats, as people set up small boats and sail them in the river. Bali Jatra is a vibrant and colourful festival, and people from all over Odisha visit Cuttack to participate in it.
Kali Puja 🕉️
Kali Puja is a festival that is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kali. It is celebrated in the month of October or November, depending on the Hindu calendar. The festival is celebrated with great fervour in Cuttack, and people offer prayers and perform puja during the festival. The city is beautifully decorated with lights and other decorative items during the festival.
Raja Parba 🎉
Raja Parba is a unique festival that is celebrated in Odisha, and Cuttack is no exception. It is a three-day festival that celebrates the onset of the monsoon season. The festival is dedicated to Mother Earth and celebrates the fertility of the land. People wear new clothes, play traditional games, and indulge in various culinary delights during the festival. The festival is celebrated in the month of June and is a major event in the city.
Dussehra 🎊
Dussehra is a festival that is celebrated all over India, and Cuttack is no exception. The festival celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and shows in the city, and people set up pandals where the idols of Goddess Durga and Lord Rama are worshipped. The festival is also known for its vibrant processions, which are a major attraction in the city.
Kartik Purnima 🪔
Kartik Purnima is a festival celebrated in Cuttack in the month of November, and it is considered one of the most important festivals of the year. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, and it marks the end of the Diwali celebrations. The festival is marked by the lighting of diyas, and people offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. The festival is also known for the Boita Bandana (boat worship) ceremony, where people float miniature boats made of banana stems in nearby rivers or lakes.
Planning Your Visit to Cuttack During Festivals
If you are planning to visit Cuttack during its vibrant festival season, here are some useful tips to help you make the most of your trip:
- Research the Festivals: Before you visit Cuttack, research the different festivals and their dates to plan your trip accordingly. Some festivals have specific dates while others have flexible timings.
- Book Your Accommodation in Advance: Cuttack is a popular destination during the festival season, so it's advisable to book your accommodation in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle.
- Try the Local Cuisine: Don't miss out on the mouth-watering street food that is available during the festival season in Cuttack. From Dahibara Aloodum to Chhena Poda, the local delicacies are a must-try.
- Be Prepared for Crowds: Festivals in Cuttack attract large crowds, so be prepared to navigate through the crowds while enjoying the festivities.
- Respect the Customs and Traditions: Cuttack's festivals are deeply rooted in local customs and traditions. It is important to respect and follow them while participating in the festivities.
- Experience the Festivities: Take part in the different cultural activities, processions, and ceremonies to experience the true essence of Cuttack's festival season.
FAQs on Top 6 Festivals Celebrated in Cuttack
Here are some frequently asked questions about the top 6 festivals celebrated in Cuttack:
❓ What is Durga Puja?
✅ Durga Puja has been celebrated in Cuttack for centuries. According to legend, a saint named Adi Shankaracharya first introduced the festival to Cuttack in the 8th century. Since then, it has become one of the most important festivals in the city.
❓ When is Bali Yatra celebrated in Cuttack?
✅ Bali Yatra is celebrated during the Karthik Purnima festival, which usually falls in November or December. The festival is celebrated for seven days and is a celebration of the maritime history of the city.
❓ What is the significance of Kali Puja in Cuttack?
✅ Kali Puja is celebrated on the night of Diwali and is dedicated to the goddess Kali. The festival is significant because it marks the victory of good over evil and lights over darkness.
❓ How long is the Durga Puja celebration in Cuttack?
✅ Durga Puja is celebrated for ten days in Cuttack. The first nine days are called Navratri, during which the goddess Durga is worshipped in different forms. On the tenth day, known as Vijaya Dashami, the idol of Durga is taken in a procession and immersed in a nearby river.
❓ What are the traditional sweets made during the festivals in Cuttack?
✅ Some of the traditional sweets made during the festivals in Cuttack include chenna poda, rasagolla, rasabali, and chhenajhili. These sweets are made with milk, sugar, and other ingredients and are a must-try during the festive season.
Conclusion 🎉
Cuttack is a city that is steeped in culture and tradition, and the festivals celebrated here are a testament to the city's vibrant and diverse culture. From Durga Puja to Kartik Purnima, each festival has its unique significance and adds to the city's cultural richness.
The top 6 festivals celebrated in Cuttack are Durga Puja, Bali Jatra, Kali Puja, Raja Parba, and Dussehra. These festivals are a major attraction in the city, and people from all over Odisha and other parts of India visit Cuttack to participate in them.
