The East Indian state of Orissa bears a large list of religions, ancient temples, local shrines, sacred places and tribes. The state witnesses numerous fairs and festivals held on its land, in the entire year. The holy land of the state marks the surfacing of three different religions, which is the prime reason behind people enjoying the festivities round the year in Orissa.

The state is considered as the land of diversity in cultures and traditions, is also a land of celebrations. The state celebrates every occasion as Orissa festivals, in its full. There is one thing common among religion, folklores, tradition, agriculture and seasonal variations and ethnic dance forms. All of these are celebrated in the state of religiosity. Every month comes with one or more festival to be celebrated in Orissa with performing some special ritual attached to each of it. People from home grounds and visitors take part in the celebrations with full of zeal.

The state celebrates some major festivals like Durga Puja and Kali Puja, which signifies the worship of Shakti (Power), in the months of September and October in a big way. However, Orissa’s religious capital Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath, alone celebrates a total of 62 festivals all dedicated to Lord Jagannath, popularly known as Lord Krishna, every year. This set of fairs & festivals of Puri includes Car Festival in Puri, Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Pushyavisheka, Dola Yatra (Holi Festival), Chandan Yatra, Snana Yatra and Anasara as major celebrations. Moreover, Konark Dance Festival and Puri Beach Festival along with some tribal festivals are other festive attractions of the state.

The 12th century Jagannath Puri temple, situated in Puri, is the foremost epicenter for the festival of theLord Jagannath Rath Yatra. The Puri festivals have always been popular among tourists due to their religious connotation.

The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra festival in Puri or Chariot festival, one of the much-awaited Hindu festivals, honors the Lord Jagannath's visit along with his siblings – Lord Balbhadra and Deity Shubhadra – to the temple of Queen Gundicha. As many as three new splendid chariots are created for the elegant Rath Yatra Puri (the journey) of the Gods – Lord Jagannath and his siblings – every year.

Indian tour operators hold the Orissa Tour, round the year, in the country. Tourists from Indian and abroad enjoy various Orissa Tour Package available in the market. You have a chance to select the best package from the variety of tour packages available and need not to worry about the Orissa hotel booking.