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03/09/2026

🎉🌿 CELEBRATING 47 YEARS OF OTDC! 🌿🎉

The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (OTDC) proudly commemorates its 47th Foundation Day, celebrating a remarkable journey of dedication, excellence and unwavering commitment towards the growth and promotion of tourism in Odisha.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of the Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism Department & Chairman, OTDC; Managing Director; General Manager; Company Secretary; Divisional Manager (HS); and other senior officials of OTDC.

15/08/2026

🇮🇳 Odisha Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. 🇮🇳

Wishing everyone a very Happy 80th Independence Day! 🇮🇳

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12/08/2026

Huma Temple, located on the banks of the Mahanadi River near Sambalpur, is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its mysterious leaning structure (ବକ୍ର ମନ୍ଦିର). According to legend, a milkman discovered a sacred stone that accepted his offerings of milk, leading to the establishment of the temple.

The temple is also associated with the sacred Kudo fish of the Mahanadi. Local folklore says that a woman who tried to catch or cut a sacred fish was turned into stone as punishment. The story adds to the temple's rich folklore and mystery, making Huma a unique spiritual and cultural attraction of Odisha.

05/08/2026

The Almighty Lord Jagannath has returned to His abode after the sacred nine-day sojourn i.e. Rath Yatra, culminating in the auspicious Niladri Bije.

As the annual holy celebration is about to conclude, let us salute the invisible hands behind this grand festival:- the artisans, servitors, volunteers, security personnel, countless devotees, administration and all others we fail to mention, whose dedication and devotion make this timeless tradition a great success.

A tribute to the unsung heroes of Rath Yatra.

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27/07/2026

NILADRI BIJE - The Sweet Homecoming of Lord Jagannath.

After spending several days at the Gundicha Temple, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra begin their journey back to the Sri Mandir in Puri.
But when Lord Jagannath reaches the temple, Maa Lakshmi is upset. She is said to be angry because the Lord had gone on His grand journey without taking her along. She refuses to let Him enter!
The Lord then lovingly tries to win her heart with a sweet offering of Rasagola. Maa Lakshmi finally forgives Him, and the doors of the temple open for His return.
This joyful homecoming is known as NILADRI BIJE, marking the beautiful conclusion of the Ratha Yatra—a story of love, devotion, forgiveness and reunion.

22/07/2026

Kankana Shikhari, a serene island in the waters of Chilika, carries a fascinating chapter of Odisha's Jagannath tradition. According to local tradition, during the invasion of Puri by Taqi Khan in 1731, the deities of the Jagannath tradition were secretly moved to this secluded island for safety.
During their stay, the Lords were offered local produce, including the kankana/kankada, a native spine gourd, which became closely associated with the island's identity. The word "Shikhari" refers to the elevated hill or peak, giving the place its distinctive name.
Today, this sacred memory comes alive through a truly unique celebration—the Floating Rath Yatra. The Holy Trinity of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are placed on a beautifully decorated chariot formed by joining boats, and the divine procession glides across the tranquil waters of Chilika. The lake itself becomes a floating Bada Danda, creating a spectacular blend of faith, history and nature.

10/07/2026

The sacred Akhandalamani Temple, nestled on the banks of the Baitarani River, is one of Odisha's most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The name "Akhandalamani" means "the Eternal Jewel"—the infinite and indestructible form of Mahadeva. According to local tradition, a cowherd noticed one of his cows mysteriously pouring milk over a stone every day. Curious villagers uncovered a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shiva Linga at that very spot, believing it to be a divine revelation. It is believed that the temple was later built by the king of Kanika to honour the sacred discovery.
Today, thousands of devotees visit Akhandalamani Temple throughout the year, especially during the holy month of Shravana, when pilgrims carry sacred water and offer it to the deity with deep devotion. Devotees all around the state & from outside throng in large numbers during Maha Shivaratri for Jagara festival. Surrounded by serene natural beauty and centuries-old faith, the temple continues to symbolize unwavering devotion, divine grace, and the timeless presence of Lord Shiva in the heart of Odisha.

07/07/2026

Long before Sambalpur became a thriving city, the banks of the mighty Mahanadi were covered with dense forests and inhabited by tribal communities. According to local tradition, the Divine Mother revealed herself here as Maa Samaleswari, the guardian deity of the land, blessing her devotees with strength, prosperity, and protection. Revered as the presiding deity of western Odisha, she has been worshipped for centuries by kings, warriors, farmers, and tribal communities alike.
The present temple, believed to have been built in the 16th century by the Chauhan rulers of Sambalpur, stands as a symbol of faith and cultural unity. Every year, during the harvest festival of Nuakhai, thousands of devotees offer the season's first grains to Maa Samaleswari in traditional attire, which is inspired by the rich cultural history & spirituality centred around the temple; seeking her blessings for abundance and well-being. The temple comes alive with vibrant rituals, devotional music, and the unwavering faith of pilgrims from across Odisha and beyond.

03/07/2026

After the sacred Snana Yatra, Lord Jagannath, along with Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, retires to the Anasara Ghara for about fifteen days, remaining away from public darshan at the Jagannath Temple. During this sacred period, tradition holds that Lord Jagannath manifests Himself as Lord Alarnath, drawing countless devotees to the revered Alarnath Temple for His divine darshan. The temple is especially renowned for its sacred Kheer Bhoga—a rich sweet rice delicacy offered in earthen pots. According to legend, the Lord once accepted this offering directly from a young devotee, leaving the marks of His divine touch on the hot kheer, making it one of Odisha's most cherished prasads. This timeless tradition reminds devotees that while the Lord may withdraw from one place, He never withdraws His grace. He simply reveals Himself in another form, assuring every sincere seeker that His divine presence, love, and blessings are always nearby.

01/07/2026

The Snana Jatra, Anasara & Lord Alarnath

On the sacred Snana Jatra, celebrated on the full moon of Jyestha, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Sudarshana are ceremonially bathed with 108 golden pots of sacred water. According to tradition, the deities develop a fever after the divine bath and retire to the Anasara Ghara for about 15 days, remaining away from public view.
During Anasara, the Daita servitors and Raj Vaidyas care for the deities with herbal medicines, including Dasamula, and a light diet of fruits, milk preparations, and other easily digestible foods.
Though Lord Jagannath remains in seclusion, the sacred tradition of Mahaprasad continues. Devotees believe the Lord manifests as Alarnath Temple at Brahmagiri during this period, making it the principal place of worship. The temple is especially revered for its sacred Kheer (sweet rice) offering.
This tradition was further popularized by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who worshipped Lord Alarnath when Lord Jagannath was in Anasara, inspiring countless devotees to do the same.

Address

Panthanivas
Bhubaneswar
751001

Telephone

+916742435618

Website

https://www.bookodisha.com/

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