Odisha at a Glance

Events & Festivals

Where Every Season is a Celebration

Events & Festivals

Top 10 must attend events

1
Religious

Jul 16 , 07:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Ratha Jatra

Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple, Puri

Ratha Jatra in Puri is one of the most iconic and grand religious festivals in India, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, along with Lord Balabhadra and Debi Subhadra. The festival transcends regional and international boundaries, apart from many states in India, Ratha Jatra is celebrated in more than 50 countries worldwide. The deities are taken out in a procession called ‘Pahandi’ from the Shree Mandir and seated in massive chariots and pulled by devotees along the Grand Road to the Gundicha Temple. Drawing millions of pilgrims from across the world, the festival is a powerful expression of devotion, inclusivity, and spiritual fervour.
Cultural Significance
  • Symbolises the annual journey of Lord Jagannath to his aunt’s abode.
  • Represents inclusivity, as devotees of all backgrounds and faith participate.
  • One of the largest religious congregations in the world.
  • Lord Jagannath’s Chariot  is called Nandighosha, Lord Balabhadra’s Chariot is called Taladdhwaja and Debi Subhadra’s Chariot is called Dwarpadalana.
  • Deeply embedded in Odisha’s spiritual and cultural identity.
2
Religious

Jun 29 , 07:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Deba Snana Purnima

Jagannath Temple (Snana Mandap), Puri

Deba Snana Purnima marks the ceremonial bathing of Lord Jagannath and associated deities at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Observed on the full moon day of Jyestha, the ritual involves the public bathing of the deities with sacred water, drawing large gatherings of devotees.
Cultural Significance
  • It’s considered the Birthday of Lord Jagannath.
  • Ritual bathing ceremony preceding Ratha Jatra.
  • Symbolises purification and renewal.
  • One of the few occasions when deities are visible to the public.
  • Integral to the annual ritual calendar of Puri.
3
Fair

Nov 24 - Dec 01 , 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Bali Jatra

Balijatra Ground, Cuttack, Odisha

Bali Jatra, held on the banks of the Mahanadi in Cuttack, commemorates Odisha’s ancient maritime trade links with Southeast Asia. Rooted in history yet vibrant in its present form, the festival is one of the largest fairs in eastern India. It brings together trade, tradition, food, and entertainment, evoking the spirit of the historic voyages undertaken by Odia sailors.
Why You Should Attend
  • Experience one of India’s largest open-air fairs.
  • Explore a wide range of local crafts, textiles, and street food.
  • Witness cultural performances and exhibitions.
  • Relive Odisha’s maritime heritage and trading history.
4
Festival

Dec 24 - Jan 03 , 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Dhanu Jatra

Bargarh & Ambapali

Held annually in Bargarh, Dhanu Jatra is an extraordinary 11-day theatrical festival and is recognised as the world's largest open-air theatre. During the festival, the entire town transforms into the mythological kingdom of Mathura, with Bargarh becoming the capital of King Kansa and the nearby village of Ambapali representing Gopapura (Gokul). Through elaborate processions, dramatic performances and community participation, the festival recreates the legendary tales of Lord Krishna and his tyrannical uncle, King Kansa, culminating in Kansa's defeat on the final day.
Cultural Significance
  • Recognised as the world's largest open-air theatre, where an entire town becomes a living stage for mythology
  • Preserves and celebrates the folk theatre traditions of western Odisha through community-led performances.
  • Brings alive the childhood and heroic exploits of Lord Krishna, symbolising the victory of righteousness over evil.
  • Demonstrates unparalleled public participation, with residents, artists and local institutions collectively enacting the festival.
  • Showcases Odisha's rich traditions of music, dance, costume-making, storytelling and ritual performances, reinforcing Bargarh's identity as a vibrant cultural destination.
5
Cultural

Dec 01 - Dec 05 , 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Konark Festival

Open Air Auditorium Konark

The Konark Dance Festival is one of India’s most prestigious classical dance festivals, set against the magnificent backdrop of the Sun Temple at Konark. Celebrating the richness and diversity of Indian classical dance traditions, the festival brings together leading and renowned exponents of forms such as Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, and more—presented together on a single stage. As maestros and celebrated performers take to the stage, they mesmerise audiences with their grace, poise, and expressive depth. The grandeur of the UNESCO World Heritage site, combined with these world-class performances, creates an unforgettable cultural spectacle.
Why You Should Attend
  • Experience top classical dance forms at a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Witness performances by India’s finest classical dancers.
  • Enjoy the dramatic backdrop of the illuminated Sun Temple.
  • Combine the visit with nearby attractions like International Sand Art Festival at Chandrabhaga Beach.
6
Art

Dec 01 - Dec 05 , 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

International Sand Art Festival

Chandrabhaga Beach, Konark

The International Art Festival in Odisha at Chandrabhaga Beach, is a global platform that brings together artists, performers, and creative minds from across the world. Celebrating visual arts, installations, performances, and cross-cultural dialogue, the festival transforms spaces into vibrant hubs of artistic expression and experimentation.
Why You Should Attend
  • Discover contemporary and traditional art from global artists.
  • Engage with installations and live art.
  • Experience cross-cultural artistic exchange.
  • Interact with artists and creative communities.
7
Cultural

Jan 01 - Jan 31 , 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Rajarani Music Festival

Rajarani Temple premises, Bhubaneswar

Set amidst the historic Rajarani Temple, this festival celebrates the depth and diversity of Indian classical music. Over three evenings, the temple complex resonates with Hindustani and Carnatic renditions performed by eminent musicians. The festival’s serene ambience and architectural elegance make it a unique musical experience in an open-air heritage setting.
Why You Should Attend
  • Enjoy live classical music in a heritage temple setting
  • Listen to renowned vocalists and instrumentalists
  • Experience both Hindustani and Carnatic traditions
  • Spend evenings in a peaceful, culturally rich atmosphere
8
Cultural

Jan 01 - Jan 31 , 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Mukteswar Dance Festival

Mukteswar Temple premises, Bhubaneswar

Held in the precincts of the 10th-century Mukteswar Temple in Bhubaneswar, this festival is an intimate celebration of Odissi dance and classical artistry. The temple’s intricate stone carvings provide a stunning backdrop as some of the finest Odissi doyens of the country perform under the open sky. Known for its elegance and purity, the Mukteswar Dance Festival is a refined cultural experience that highlights the spiritual essence of Odissi.
Why You Should Attend
  • Watch Odissi performances in an iconic temple setting.
  • Experience a close, immersive classical dance environment.
  • See performances by leading and emerging Odissi Dancers.
  • Enjoy the architectural beauty of Mukteswar Temple illuminated at night.
9
Cultural

Jun 13 - Jun 15 , 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Raja Parba

Across Odisha

Raja Parba is a unique festival celebrating womanhood, fertility, and the cyclical rhythms of nature. Observed over three days across Odisha, it symbolises the menstruation of Mother Earth, during which agricultural activities are paused. Swings, traditional games, new clothes, and festive delicacies mark the celebration, especially among young girls and women.
Cultural Significance
  • Celebrates womanhood and fertility, symbolising the menstruation of Mother Earth with fertility and acknowledging it as a natural and life-giving process.
  • Carries a strong social message of dignity, rest, and respect for women, challenging taboos around menstruation.
  • Reinforces the connection between nature and the feminine, with the Earth revered as a nurturing force.
  • Encourages pause from agricultural activity, reflecting harmony with natural cycles.
  • Strengthens community bonding through shared rituals, traditional games, and festive gatherings.
10
Tribal

Nov 18 - Nov 20 , 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Parab Festival

Koraput, Odisha

Parab is a vibrant state-level tribal festival centred in Koraput that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of southern Odisha. Organised annually by the District Council of Culture, the festival brings together indigenous communities to showcase their traditions through dance, music, crafts, and community gatherings. Extending from grassroots village-level celebrations to large-scale district events, Parab reflects the living cultural identity of tribes such as the Paraja, Gadaba, and Kandha to name a few.
Why You Should Attend
  • Experience authentic tribal dances and music from southern Odisha.
  • Explore Palli Shree Mela featuring crafts and indigenous products.
  • Witness traditional sports, competitions, and cultural showcases.
  • Engage with a grassroots cultural celebration in its native setting.

Arts & Culture

Cultural Dance

Feb 01 - Feb 28 , 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav

Shanti Vihar, Foothills of Dhauli

Set against the serene backdrop of the Dhauli Shanti Stupa, the Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav is a unique confluence of martial arts, classical dance, and spiritual reflection. Held annually at the historic site associated with the Kalinga War and Emperor Ashoka’s transformation, the festival celebrates peace through performance. Renowned artists present choreographies inspired by themes of war, valour, and harmony, blending traditional dance forms with martial traditions like Kalaripayattu and Chhau.
Why You Should Attend
  • Experience a rare fusion of martial arts and classical dance.
  • Attend performances at the historic Dhauli hills, symbol of peace.
  • Watch curated productions themed on war, transformation, and harmony.
  • Witness participation from acclaimed national and international artists.
Cultural Crafts

Jan 01 - Feb 28 , 02:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Toshali Craft Mela

Janata Maidan. Bhubaneswar

Every winter, Bhubaneswar’s Janata Maidan transforms into a vibrant marketplace of India’s finest craftsmanship at the Toshali National Crafts Mela. Bringing together artisans, weavers, and designers from across the country, the fair is a celebration of handlooms, handicrafts, and traditional artistry, set against a lively backdrop of folk performances and Odissi music. Since its inception in 2004–05, Toshali has evolved into one of eastern India’s most prominent craft fairs, offering visitors a rare opportunity to interact directly with master craftsmen, explore diverse regional traditions, and take home authentic handmade creations.
Why You Should Attend
  • Explore over 300 stalls featuring crafts from across India and SAARC nations.
  • Witness live folk and tribal performances every evening.
  • Shop authentic Odisha crafts like silver filigree, handlooms, and tribal jewellery.
  • Enjoy a festive ambience with food courts and cultural showcases.
Cultural Tribal

Jan 01 - Feb 28 , 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Adivasi Mela

Adivasi Mela Ground , Unit - 1, Bhubaneswar

Adivasi Mela in Bhubaneswar is a remarkable cultural showcase that brings together the rich and diverse tribal heritage of Odisha under one roof. Organised annually by the ST & SC Development Department, the fair recreates a vibrant tribal village at the Adivasi Exhibition Ground, offering deep insights into the lives, traditions, and artistic expressions of the state’s 62 tribal communities. With its origins dating back to 1951, the mela continues to serve as a vital platform for preserving and promoting indigenous culture.
Why You Should Attend
  • Experience an immersive tribal village with life-size house replicas.
  • Shop authentic tribal crafts including Dhokra, terracotta, and wooden artefacts.
  • Witness vibrant tribal dance and music performances every evening.
  • Explore exhibitions on tribal lifestyle, culture, and development initiatives.
Cultural Dance

Jan 01 - Jan 31 , 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Mukteswar Dance Festival

Mukteswar Temple premises, Bhubaneswar

Held in the precincts of the 10th-century Mukteswar Temple in Bhubaneswar, this festival is an intimate celebration of Odissi dance and classical artistry. The temple’s intricate stone carvings provide a stunning backdrop as some of the finest Odissi doyens of the country perform under the open sky. Known for its elegance and purity, the Mukteswar Dance Festival is a refined cultural experience that highlights the spiritual essence of Odissi.
Why You Should Attend
  • Watch Odissi performances in an iconic temple setting.
  • Experience a close, immersive classical dance environment.
  • See performances by leading and emerging Odissi Dancers.
  • Enjoy the architectural beauty of Mukteswar Temple illuminated at night.
Cultural Music

Jan 01 - Jan 31 , 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Rajarani Music Festival

Rajarani Temple premises, Bhubaneswar

Set amidst the historic Rajarani Temple, this festival celebrates the depth and diversity of Indian classical music. Over three evenings, the temple complex resonates with Hindustani and Carnatic renditions performed by eminent musicians. The festival’s serene ambience and architectural elegance make it a unique musical experience in an open-air heritage setting.
Why You Should Attend
  • Enjoy live classical music in a heritage temple setting
  • Listen to renowned vocalists and instrumentalists
  • Experience both Hindustani and Carnatic traditions
  • Spend evenings in a peaceful, culturally rich atmosphere
Cultural Dance

Dec 01 - Dec 05 , 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Konark Festival

Open Air Auditorium Konark

The Konark Dance Festival is one of India’s most prestigious classical dance festivals, set against the magnificent backdrop of the Sun Temple at Konark. Celebrating the richness and diversity of Indian classical dance traditions, the festival brings together leading and renowned exponents of forms such as Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, and more—presented together on a single stage. As maestros and celebrated performers take to the stage, they mesmerise audiences with their grace, poise, and expressive depth. The grandeur of the UNESCO World Heritage site, combined with these world-class performances, creates an unforgettable cultural spectacle.
Why You Should Attend
  • Experience top classical dance forms at a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Witness performances by India’s finest classical dancers.
  • Enjoy the dramatic backdrop of the illuminated Sun Temple.
  • Combine the visit with nearby attractions like International Sand Art Festival at Chandrabhaga Beach.
Art Festival

Dec 01 - Dec 05 , 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

International Sand Art Festival

Chandrabhaga Beach, Konark

The International Art Festival in Odisha at Chandrabhaga Beach, is a global platform that brings together artists, performers, and creative minds from across the world. Celebrating visual arts, installations, performances, and cross-cultural dialogue, the festival transforms spaces into vibrant hubs of artistic expression and experimentation.
Why You Should Attend
  • Discover contemporary and traditional art from global artists.
  • Engage with installations and live art.
  • Experience cross-cultural artistic exchange.
  • Interact with artists and creative communities.
Cultural Harvest

Aug 28 , 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Nuakhai

Western Odisha

Nuakhai is the most important agrarian festivals of Western Odisha, marking the celebration of the new harvest. Deeply rooted in community life, the festival revolves around offering the first grains to the presiding deity Maa Samaleswari and sharing it among family and community members. Celebrated with rituals, traditional attire, and festive meals, Nuakhai reflects gratitude, unity, and the agrarian spirit of the region.
Cultural Significance
  • Celebrates the first harvest and agrarian traditions.
  • Reinforces community bonding through shared rituals and feasts.
  • Reflects the cultural identity of Western Odisha.
  • Marks a time of homecoming and familial reunion.
Cultural Seasonal

Jun 13 - Jun 15 , 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Raja Parba

Across Odisha

Raja Parba is a unique festival celebrating womanhood, fertility, and the cyclical rhythms of nature. Observed over three days across Odisha, it symbolises the menstruation of Mother Earth, during which agricultural activities are paused. Swings, traditional games, new clothes, and festive delicacies mark the celebration, especially among young girls and women.
Cultural Significance
  • Celebrates womanhood and fertility, symbolising the menstruation of Mother Earth with fertility and acknowledging it as a natural and life-giving process.
  • Carries a strong social message of dignity, rest, and respect for women, challenging taboos around menstruation.
  • Reinforces the connection between nature and the feminine, with the Earth revered as a nurturing force.
  • Encourages pause from agricultural activity, reflecting harmony with natural cycles.
  • Strengthens community bonding through shared rituals, traditional games, and festive gatherings.

Odisha Events Calendar

Discover cultural festivals, traditional celebrations, and vibrant events across Odisha throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main festival in Odisha is the Rath Jatra (Chariot Festival) held in Puri, which attracts millions of devotees. Other major festivals include Durga Puja, Diwali, and Konark Dance Festival.

Yes, Odisha has a vibrant nightlife with various parties and events, especially in cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. There are cultural parties, music festivals, and beach parties throughout the year.

Odisha is known as the sports capital of India, hosting major world cups in Hockey and athletics. The state hosts international hockey tournaments, cricket matches, marathons, and traditional sports events throughout the year.

Tickets can be booked online through our website, mobile app, or at authorized ticket counters. Some events may offer early bird discounts and group booking options.

Most cultural and festival events in Odisha are family-friendly. We categorize events clearly - look for the"FAMILY" badge on event cards to identify family-appropriate events.

For outdoor events, we recommend bringing sunscreen, hats, water bottles, and comfortable shoes. Some events may have specific requirements listed in the event details.