#odisha times

[newseee]

Deeply shaken : Biden

US President Joe Biden has expressed shock over the train accident incident in Balasore, Odisha. Biden said that he was deeply moved after hearing the tragic news of the train accident in India that killed around 300 people. My wife Jill Biden and I were shocked to hear the tragic news of India's worst train accident. We are praying for those who lost their loved ones and the injured in this incident. India and America are united by the family and cultural values ​​of both countries. Biden said that the whole of America is mourning for the victims.

[odtravelsonline]

Navigate the Wonders of Chilika Lake on an Exclusive Boat Tour

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest coastal lagoon, with OD Travels. Our Chilika Lake tour package  is designed to offer you an unforgettable adventure through serene waters, lush islands, and diverse wildlife. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a bird watcher, or someone looking for a peaceful getaway, this tour is perfect for you.

Discover the Serenity of Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake, located in Odisha, is a paradise for nature lovers. The tranquil blue waters, picturesque islands, and the vibrant ecosystem make it one of the most sought-after destinations in India. It is home to the largest wintering grounds for migratory birds and is a hotspot for spotting rare species, including flamingos, pelicans, and sea eagles. The lake is also famous for its rich aquatic life, including the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.

Exclusive Boat Ride Experience

One of the highlights of our Chilika Lake tour is the opportunity to explore the lake on a private or group boat. The ride takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the lake, including:

Satapada – A popular spot for dolphin sighting, where you can witness the playful Irrawaddy dolphins in their natural habitat.

Kalijai Temple – A revered temple situated on an island, known for its spiritual significance and stunning views.

Nalabana Bird Sanctuary – A paradise for bird watchers, especially during the migratory season.

Rajhans Island – A serene spot where the lake meets the Bay of Bengal, offering a mesmerizing blend of landscapes.

Our boat tours are conducted with safety and comfort in mind, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for our guests.

Why Choose OD Travels?

At OD Travels, we prioritize customer satisfaction and provide top-notch travel experiences. Here’s why our Chilika Lake tour package stands out:

Expert Guides – Our local guides are well-versed with the history, culture, and biodiversity of Chilika Lake.

Customized Itineraries – We offer flexible plans to suit your preferences and schedule.

Affordable Packages – Get the best value for your money with our competitive pricing.

Safety Assurance – Our boats are well-maintained, and we adhere to all safety guidelines to ensure a worry-free journey.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Chilika Lake is between November and February when the weather is pleasant, and the migratory birds arrive, creating a spectacular view. The winter season is perfect for spotting various bird species and enjoying a comfortable boat ride across the lake.

Book Your Adventure Today!

Don’t miss the chance to explore the enchanting beauty of Chilika Lake. Book your Chilika Lake tour package with boat ride with OD Travels today and embark on a journey filled with wonder, adventure, and serenity. Whether you are traveling solo, with family, or in a group, we ensure a memorable experience that you will cherish forever.

[satyanarayanecoresort]

Best Resort in Odisha

Indulge in the epitome of luxury and relaxation at Satyanarayan Eco Resort & Water Park – the best resort in Odisha. Nestled amidst lush greenery, our resort offers a haven of serenity away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty and experience unparalleled hospitality as you enjoy top-notch amenities and services. Unwind by the poolside, pamper yourself with rejuvenating spa treatments, or dive into the exhilarating experiences offered at our water park. Discover a place where tranquility meets adventure - Satyanarayan Eco Resort & Water Park. Visit https://snecoresort.com/

[indiafirstpaper]

Epaper From India

India First Epaper provides the best Epaper from India which is convenient access to digital versions of newspapers and publications from across India. Stay updated with the latest news, articles, and information in a digital format, all in one place. Accessing epapers from India is a quick and eco-friendly way to keep yourself informed about current events. Explore a wide range of newspapers at your fingertips only at https://indiafirstepaper.com/epaper/

[ganga-times]

Odisha Vande Bharat Express Timings, Route, Stops and Ticket Price

The Odisha Vande Bharat Express is supposed to start on 25th May, and it is one of a kind in Odisha. The Puri Howrah Vande Bharat Express holds a lot of expectations as it has cut down the travelling time by three hours. The Vande Bharat Express is a flagship train launched by the Indian Railways, and it has completely changed the face of travel in India. Travel has become much more time…

[room-surprise]

Kabru from Dungeon Meshi's Ethnic origin

(Masterpost of evidence available here now!)

I've seen folks talking about this, which makes me SOOOOO happy. I've been trying to tell people that Kabru is *some kind* of fantasy version of Indian since at least March of 2023, which is when I finished reading what was available of Dungeon Meshi at the time. You may have seen my post in the Kabru tag about his name suggesting that he's of Nepali origin! I'll go into this in a LOT more detail when I finally publish my big Dungeon Meshi research paper (soon, I promise, I hope), but this is such a wonderful win for Kabru fans that I wanted to make a post about it! So many helpful fans were able to identify the sweet Kabru's trying to talk about is rasgulla, which means I didn't have to actually do any research to figure it out like I normally would have. Though since I know Kabru's meant to be from someplace like India, it wouldn't have been hard to search for "Indian dessert white ball" and figure it out.

Rasgulla (literally "syrup filled ball") is a dessert popular in the eastern part of South Asia. It is made from ball-shaped dumplings of chhena dough, cooked in light sugar syrup. This is done until the syrup permeates the dumplings.

While it is near-universally agreed upon that the dessert originated in the eastern Indian subcontinent, the exact locus of origin is disputed between locations such as West Bengal, Bangladesh, and Odisha. The name rasgulla is derived from the words ras ("juice") and gulla ("ball"), and other names for the dish include rasagulla, rossogolla, roshogolla, rasagola, rasagolla, and rasbhari or rasbari. Rasbari is the name of it in Nepal, so I think that's probably what Kabru would have called it if Milsiril hadn't interrupted him.

[zeherili-ankhein]

Ok one thing I see every year during this time and I'm again seeing nowadays, that is shaming bangali people for eating non-veg during Navaratri

First of all, Navaratri and Durga Pujo are VERY different. This is basic atp I mean.. but still...

And it's not only about Bangalis, Assamese people, some Odisha people and even some parts of North Eastern people I believe (forgive me if I'm wrong) also have the concept of non veg in their diet even during Puja, Devi Puja to be specific.

And second thing, Bengal's Shakta traditions and rituals are A LOT different.

Like some families have traditions of offering Jora Ilish to Maa on Ashtami, with the believe that's her favourite fish. While some families (like mine) go complete veg on that perticular day.

And most families usually eat mutton on Nabami. That's like a must in most households. Some places even had the ritual of Patha Bali during Sandhi Pujo on Ashtami or on Nabami. That is mostly changed with pumkins or ash grounds nowadays though.

Meat in some places is offered as Bhog to Maa. And on Dashami, some places again offer her fishes as that's the day she leaves us for another whole year.

Also you'd be further shocked to know it's not only during Durga Pujo that we have the tradition of non veg.

Some families just like mine, have the tradition of Ranna Pujo, which is celebrated the day before Vishwakarma Pujo. This Puja is for Maa Manasa, and during this, Maa is offered various dishes made of fishes including Ilish or Rui. Some even offer prawns as Bhog.

And guess what? A lot of places still have Bali Pratha during various Kali Pujos that happens all around the year. I've seen myself.

Most Shaktipeeth, Including Kamakhya and Kalighat also have the same Bali Pratha. I just said those two places because I've seen them myself.

(I do agree it's not really good to kill animals but I'm just saying what is true)

Some Kali Pujo, even have rituals that includes alcohol, yes read right even alcohol as an offering to Maa. Believe me or not, this is 100% true.

So stop saying random stuff like why we are consuming non veg or how we are not following the rules, because rules are different in every part of India.

Yup! That's all. Now be kind and understanding and let us all enjoy our own festivals hmm?

Also to piss off people who'll still say dumb stuff, I ate momos and biriyani today cry about it

[desikanya]

Boita Bandana, a cultural tribute to ancient maritime activities

People in Odisha celebrate Boita Bandana, a boat festival marking the region's maritime glory. This annual observance occurs on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day in the holy month of Kartik. Boita Bandana is a cultural tribute to Odisha’s ancient maritime activities and trade relations with Southeast Asian countries.

Symbolic Act of Floating Boats:

The most important ritual of Boita Bandana is floating little hand-made boats. They are usually made of plantain or banana stems and other similar natural and traditional materials. Boats are laden with various offerings such as flowers, coins, ‘Kaudis’ or cowries, ‘Pana’ or betel leaves, ‘Guā’ or betel nuts, and a lighted lamp. This symbolic act pays homage to Odisha’s rich maritime history and the courageous sailors who engaged in trade with Southeast Asian nations. The festival serves as a cultural bridge connecting the present generation with the seafaring legacy of their ancestors.

Remembering the Sadhabas:

Boita Bandana echoes the collective consciousness & memories of the past. It commemorates the legacies of the Kalinga Sadhabas – the maritime merchants & seafarers. The origins of this festival descend from an ancient maritime tradition of merchant trade and voyages across the ocean to different regions of Asia, which was well developed in this region known in ancient times as Kalinga. This ancient maritime tradition is preserved through this festival which celebrates the voyages of their ancestors, to Southeast Asian countries, which include mainly present-day Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Borneo in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, and all the way to Champa region in Vietnam. Local traditions ascribe the origins of the ritual tradition to around the 3rd century BC as Kalinga was a well-known powerful maritime power with strong trading links across the oceans, especially during the reign of the Maurya empire whose rulers coveted the region for its influence.

Kartika Purnima was considered auspicious for them to begin their voyage. It was during this time of the month as well when the Northeast monsoon winds started blowing from November, which was favorable for the merchant mariners as the winds would guide the sails of their boats across the ocean leading them southwards towards Sri Lanka. Thereafter using the ocean currents to cross the Indian Ocean to reach Southeast Asia where they would carry on sailing across different regions for trade. After trading the ships would take the ocean countercurrent to get back to Sri Lanka in time to take advantage of the Southwest monsoon around May and return home. Hence the families of the traveling sailors used to perform rituals on the day of Kartik Purnima for their safe journey and return, which henceforth became the tradition of Boita Bandana (Worship of the Boats).

Boita Bandana and Jagannath Culture:

At Sri Mandira (Jagannath Puri), the deities wear a variety of attires, or ‘besa’, throughout the year. During the holy month of Kartika, they receive special ‘besa’ outfits. In years when the Kartika month includes six days of ‘Panchaka’ instead of the usual five, the deities wear the rare and unique ‘Nagarjuna Besa’. In this special attire, the deities are dressed like ‘Nagarjuna’, a revered figure. This unique ‘besa’ is a significant part of the Kartika Purnima celebrations in Puri. And, Boita Bandana is every year meant to be celebrated in the early morning of Kartik Purnima.

Boita Bandana serves as a vibrant reminder of Odisha’s historical ties with other maritime civilizations and instills a sense of cultural pride among the people.

Information from different sources.

[ramayantika]

Okay some more Pinki tea because nobody is here from my college.

Pinki had a bf named Bunty (not using real names hehe). Bunty is from bengal and studies there while Pinki is here with me in odisha (Pinki is from bihar tho) anyway so Pinki and Bunty are a couple from school time so this was going to be a long distance relationship.

Now cut to the first week of us joining. She began telling how green flag this Bunty is, how sweet, caring and observant this guy is. She starts talking about marriage and the right age to marry. Help I was stupid to let out my dreams and ambitions in front of Pinki and ofc why in this generation would marriage be the first thing in my head? I have a lovely boyfriend who literally wants me to perform the best in dance and studies (he literally scolds me if I slack 😭)than talk about marriage and omg we need to marry and have kids soon.

This girl at 2am literally said it to my face: if you don't compromise a little with him and don't marry early, he might be married off and you will break his heart by saying you want your ambitions first bla bla bla. You compromise on postponing your dreams so you can marry.

Me in my head: bitch wtf- Trust me I have never wanted to smack someone's head off.

This ☕ is long

Well after a while 3 boys: Jaggu, Kheera, Chotu from our class befriend us- Me, Pinki and Lado (she is very innocent, slightly childish and very very messy but okay. A delight though)

----- updates in the reblogs -------

[whencyclopedia]

Shishunaga Dynasty

The Shishunaga Dynasty (also Sishunaga/Shaishunaga Dynasty) ruled the Magadha Kingdom in ancient India from c. 413 BCE to c. 345 BCE (in some sources from 421 BCE). It is said to be the third imperial dynasty of Magadha after the Brihadratha and the Haryanka, though the Brihadratha Dynasty is considered as mythical now. The first ruler of the dynasty was Shishunaga himself after whom it has been named, who came to power when the people revolted against the earlier Haryanka Dynasty in the 5th century BCE. The Shishunaga Dynasty had a very short reign before it was succeeded by the Nandas and then the Mauryas, but it too contributed to the solid foundation of the Magadhan Empire which was to dominate the Indian subcontinent for the upcoming centuries.

India Before the Shishunagas

After the Vedic civilization took its roots in the Indian subcontinent from around 1500 BCE, various political units rose in northern and northwestern India. This changed from the 6th century BCE onwards when some kingdoms rose to the east in the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains. During this time, the Indian subcontinent formed mainly into two political units – the Janapadas (which roughly means foothold of the common people) and the Mahajanapadas (the greater foothold of the people). There were 16 Mahajanapadas, and in the 6th century BCE, four out of them became very powerful – Kosala, Avanti, Vatsa, and finally Magadha. The ancient kingdom of Kosala falls roughly to some parts of the present-day Uttar Pradesh state in India. Avanti was Central India and now the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, and Vatsa was also another part of modern Uttar Pradesh state.

The most powerful of them was Magadha, which would go on to dominate the entire subcontinent during the time of the Mauryas. All the polities close to Magadha except Avanti were defeated in battle and gradually annexed by the warrior king of Ajatashatru (r. c. 493/492 BCE - c. 462/460 BCE) of the Haryanka Dynasty. He also defeated the powerful confederation of the Vrijjis to the immediate north with their capital at Vaishali after 16 years of ancient Indian warfare from c. 484 BCE to c. 468 BCE. By the time Shishunaga ascended to the throne, Magadha, roughly corresponding to the present-day provinces of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and the countries of Bangladesh and Nepal, had a very effective system of administration and government, a powerful army and a flourishing trade network.

Continue reading...

[jeahreading]

-Katyayani

Sixth day of the nine days belongs to Devi Katyayani. The goddess is seated on lion and has three eyes and four arms. The destroyer of evil demon– Mahishasur. She is associated with the fierce forms of Shakti or Durga, a Warrior goddess, which also includes Bhadrakali and Chandika, and traditionally she is associated with the colour red. Skanda Purana mentions her being created out of the spontaneous anger of Gods, which eventually led to slaying the demon, Mahishasura, mounted on the lion given to her by Goddess Parvati. She was born a daughter of Katyayana Rishi, born in the Katya lineage originating from Vishwamitra, thus called Katyayani, “daughter of Katyayana”. Her exploits are described in the Devi-Bhagavata Purana and Devi Mahatmyam, part of the Markandeya Purana attributed to sage Markandeya Rishi, who wrote it in Sanskrit ca. 400-500 CE. Over a period of time, her presence was also felt in Buddhist and Jain texts and several Tantric text, especially the Kalika-Purana(10th century), which mentions��Uddiyana or Odradesa (Odisha), as the seat of Goddess Katyayani and Lord Jagannath.In Hindu traditions like Yoga and Tantra, she is ascribed to the sixth Ajna Chakra or the Third eye chakra and her blessings are invoked by concentrating on this point.

@no-idea-where-i-am-lost @zeherili-ankhein DON'T BE MAD AT ME PLEASE OSRRY SORRY

[fatehbaz]

A devastating rail crash that left almost 300 people dead has refocused international attention on the importance of railways in the lives of Indians.

Indeed, to many Western observers, images of men and women crammed into overcrowded cars serve as a metaphor for modern India. Take, for example, a report by German newspaper Der Spiegel on India’s population surpassing China’s. Published just weeks before the accident in Odisha province on June 2, the now much-criticized cartoon depicted a shabby Indian train crammed with passengers rushing past a streamlined Chinese train with only two people in it.

Where does this enduring image in the West of Indian railways – and of India – come from? As a scholar of Indian history and author of 2015 book “Tracks of Change: Railways and Everyday Life in Colonial India,” I believe the answers lie in the gigantic infrastructure projects of the 19th century – forged at the intersection of colonial dictates and capitalist demands.

---

A carrier of freight, not people

Railways remain the backbone of passenger traffic in India, transporting some 23 million people daily. In the pre-pandemic 2018-19 financial year, 7.7 billion passenger journeys in India. [...] Yet, when first planned in the 1840s, India’s railways were intended to primarily transport freight and livestock, not people. Indians were thought unlikely to become railway passengers by directors of the English East India Co., a merchant monopoly that gradually annexed and administered large parts of India under U.K. crown control. [...] However, early colonial railway policy was driven by pervasive Orientalist imaginings of a people rendered immobile by poverty, living in isolated villages [...]. The trope interlocked with colonial thinking that railways would foster greater industrialization which in turn would further a capitalist economy. They also aligned with the practical needs of a colonial trading monopoly which needed raw materials for English industries, such as cotton, to be moved swiftly and efficiently from India’s interiors to port towns [...].

---

Despite the doubters, the new Indian railways attracted an increasing number of passengers. The half-million passengers recorded in 1854 when tracks became operational increased to 26 million in 1875. By 1900, annual passenger figures stood at 175 million and then almost trebled to 520 million by 1919-20. By the time of the partition of India in 1947 it had risen to more than 1 billion passenger journeys annually. Indeed, images of overcrowded trains came to epitomize the upheaval of partition, with the rail system used to carry swaths of uprooted peoples across the soon-to-be Pakistan-India border. Third-class passengers, overwhelmingly Indians, comprised almost 90% of this traffic. These escalating figures did not, however, generate a lowering of fares. Nor did they result in any substantial improvements in the conditions of [...] travel. [...]

---

The generally British railway managers seemed disinclined to remedy systematic overcrowding, which included transporting passengers in wagons meant for livestock. Rather, they insisted that such overcrowding was caused by the peculiar habits and inclinations of Indian passengers: their alleged [...] inclination to follow one another “like sheep” into crowded carriages. These attributes were soon rendered into a more public narrative, especially among Western mindsets. Journalist H. Sutherland Stark, writing for the industry publication Indian State Railways Magazine in 1929, stated that though “unversed” in railway administration and traffic control, he knew railway facilities were not the problem. Rather, Indian passengers lacked the mental preparedness, “self-possession” and “method” necessary to travel like “sane human beings.” Stark suggested passenger education as a solution to the perceived problem, making railway travel a tool for “self-composure and mass orderliness.” [...]

---

More than a century later, this depiction endures, though, ironically, it now serves as a foil to understanding contemporary India. In a piece published in The New York Times on March 12, 2005, the author lauded the then-new Delhi metro, emphasizing that it had “none of the chaotic squalor of hawkers and beggars that characterizes mainline railroads in India, nor do desperate travelers hang from the sides of the trains.” As the debate rages on whether safety has taken a back seat to “glossy modernization projects” in India – early analyses suggest signaling failure might have caused June 2, 2023, accident – railways continue to represent India’s history.

In the heyday of empire, they were deemed the technology through which Britain would drag India into capitalist modernity. In 1947, they became a leitmotif for the trauma of the partition that accompanied the independence of India and Pakistan. As the coverage of Odisha accident reminds us, it continues to be a metaphor in the West for evaluating contemporary India.

---

Headline, image, caption, and all text above by: Ritika Prasa. “Overcrowded trains serve as metaphor for India in Western eyes -- but they are a relic of colonialism and capitalism.” The Conversation. 9 June 2023. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me.]

[celestesinsight]

I am really irritated with people who behave as the guardians of our religion on social media.

I just saw a young odia girl getting ganged up on Instagram in the comment section of a Durga Puja reel because she said that we, Odia, offer fish to the Durga Maa as prasad.

These so called guardians need to understand that Indian culture is not limited to North India. There are 28 states in India and each have their own unique identity and rituals. And if they want to respect the Indian culture, they need to respect them all, not just what suits their agenda.

Navratri may be pure vegetarian festival in North Indian states. (But I am sure some rituals and traditions may differ among those states or within a single state too.) In Odisha, Durga Puja isn't a strictly vegetarian festival. Infact, fish is considered subha (good fortune) in our culture and often times is offered to Goddess as prasad and is even used in marriages or other ceremonies as an important gift from bride's side to groom's side.

When my brother got married, my sister in law brought fish alongwith different sweets, banana tree and coconut tree for good fortune with her.

So, don't tell me or any Odia that we are insulting the term 'prasad' by calling the fish a 'prasad' because in our culture it is a 'prasad'. It may not be in your culture and that's absolutely fine. But that doesn't give you right to disrespect my culture. This kind of behaviour doesn't show your piety or devotion, but only show your narrow-mindedness and ignorance about diversity in Indian culture. I hope you try to learn about different culture and religion before giving ignorant and disrespectful remarks against anyone or acting as a cultural police.

Sorry, for the long rant, but the ignorant remarks and insults really enraged me.

[theramblergal]

On The Location of Manipura

This is the result of a discussion on Babhruvahana I'd had a couple weeks ago. Also, this is a lesser known fact, and I sure do enjoy spreading knowledge :P

The Manipur we know today is the state bordering Myanmar, in Northeastern India. But the Manipura (or Manalura as it is also called) in the Mahabharata is located on the east coast, in the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh region.

We're not given the exact location.

But it is implied in the text, when they describe Arjuna's journey.

I'm not going to cite all of Arjuna's travels, I'm saving that for another post (going to make a map of his journey). But here's the relevant text:

When he approached the gates of the kingdom of Kalinga, the brahmanas who had followed the Pandava took their leave and departed. But with their permission, Kunti’s son, the valorous Dhananjaya, went on as far as the ocean, with only a few companions with him. Passing beyond Kalinga, the lord saw many beautiful countries, and followers of dharma. He went and saw Mahendra Mountain, adorned with ascetics. Travelling slowly along the shores of the ocean, he arrived in Manalura. Having seen all the sacred places of pilgrimage there, the mighty-armed one went to visit the king who was the lord of Manalura—King Chitravahana, who was devoted to dharma.

(Section 207, Arjuna-vanavasa Parva, Adi Parva, BORI CE)

So he reaches Kalinga. From Wikipedia, here's the rough region of the Kalinga kingdom:

So Arjuna passes through Kalinga, and travels along the shore.

He then sees the Mahendragiri, which is presumably within the borders of the Kalinga kingdom.

And then he continues along the shores ("Travelling slowly along the shores of the ocean, he arrived in Manalura.") to reach Manipura.

I'm not sure whether he ever goes to the Northeastern part of India, but this is more than enough proof to indicate that Manalura is in the southern part of India.

I'd place it within the borders of Andhra Pradesh, frankly, but quite close to Kalinga.

So there you go: Manalura/Manipura of the Mahabharata is not the state in the Northeast, but a kingdom in in the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh region.

(Time to work on that map of Arjuna's travels!)

[fragmentsoftheforgotten]

Comparative Analysis of Indian Temple Architecture

Indian temple architecture reflects the cultural, religious, and historical ethos of the subcontinent. Over centuries, it has evolved, with regional styles and construction techniques emerging based on geography, dynasties, and the prevalent religious beliefs. Here, we explore the major architectural styles—Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara—and their evolution through time.

1. Nagara Style (Northern India)

Origin and Features: The Nagara style of architecture primarily developed in northern India, and it is characterized by its distinctive Shikhara (spire) or Vimana (tower). This style typically includes a curvilinear, beehive-like tower that rises in a stepped fashion, symbolizing the mount Meru, the mythical mountain at the center of the universe in Hindu cosmology.

Key Features:

Shikhara (the tower) is often bulbous and curvilinear, ending in a pointed top, resembling the mountain.

Temples are built on a raised platform, with an inner sanctum (garbhagriha) housing the deity.

Mandapa (pillared hall) is present, often attached to the main structure for gatherings or rituals.

Ornamentation includes elaborate carvings of gods, goddesses, and mythological figures.

Notable Examples:

Kandariya Mahadev Temple in Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh), built during the Chandela dynasty.

Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar (Odisha), representing the architectural apex of the Kalinga style.

2. Dravida Style (Southern India)

Origin and Features: In southern India, the Dravida style, which flourished under the Chola, Pallava, and Vijayanagar dynasties, is marked by Gopurams (gateway towers) and a large central sanctuary. Unlike the Nagara style, Dravida temples are more expansive horizontally than vertically, with pyramid-like structures often rising in multiple tiers.

Key Features:

The Gopuram is the towering gateway adorned with intricate sculptures.

Vimana, the tower over the sanctum, is short and pyramid-shaped, differing from the tall spires of the northern style.

The temple complex often includes a large courtyard, multiple shrines, and water tanks for ritual purification.

Elaborate sculptural decoration and wall carvings are a hallmark, with scenes from Hindu mythology and deities.

Notable Examples:

Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu), a masterpiece of the Chola dynasty.

Meenakshi Temple in Madurai (Tamil Nadu), showcasing the grandeur of the Dravida style.

3. Vesara Style (Hybrid Style)

Origin and Features: The Vesara style is a hybrid of the Nagara and Dravida styles, which evolved in the Deccan region during the rule of the Chalukyas and later the Hoysalas. This style combines the tower of the Nagara with the base plan of the Dravida style, offering a distinctive fusion that incorporates both verticality and expansiveness.

Key Features:

Vesara temples often have a Dravida-like base with a Nagara-inspired spire.

The temple structure incorporates horizontal expansion but also has distinct central sanctum towers.

Sculptural elements are generally detailed, with figures depicting religious stories and deities.

Often these temples have intricate Hoysala pillars, known for their detailed and artistic designs.

Notable Examples:

Durga Temple in Aihole (Karnataka) represents early Vesara features.

Chennakesava Temple in Belur (Karnataka), an example of Hoysala architecture combining both styles.

Evolution and Legacy:

The evolution of temple architecture in India is a testament to the changing religious and cultural dynamics of the subcontinent. The influence of various dynasties and their regional styles has led to a rich diversity in temple architecture, which continues to inspire both contemporary architecture and art. While the Nagara style reflects the spiritual ascent and the divine connection with the cosmos, the Dravida style emphasizes grandeur and community involvement in religious practices. The Vesara style represents a harmonious blend, offering unique features that bridge the gap between the north and south Indian traditions.

In the present day, these architectural styles continue to serve not only as places of worship but as living historical documents that convey the spiritual, artistic, and cultural heritage of India.

[anviksha]

𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘂𝗹𝗮 — 𝗢𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶

Offered as bhog in Jagannath Temple of Puri as part of Uttarayana Jatra (festival) and Uttarayana Bandapana (worship ritual), Makara Chaula is the signature sweet dish that marks the celebration of Makara Sankranti in Odisha.

Makara Sankranti is an Indian festival that marks sun’s entry into Makara raashi (Capricorn) and celebrates change of season and harvest. From this day onwards, sun starts its northward movement, signifying end of winter season.

Just like every other festivals of India, this joyous celebration also has its own share of traditional foods and preparations, specific to each region of India. Ghughute of Uttrakhand, Undhiyu of Gujrat, Nolen Gur Payesh of West Bengal, sweet Pongal of Tamil Nadu are some examples of such traditional cuisines.

In Odisha, we have Makara Chaula. Traditionally, it is a mixture of freshly harvested raw rice (soaked overnight and then coarsely grinded) with some jaggery, milk, chhena ( Indian cottage cheese), banana, and sugarcane. But you can also add fruits or other things according to your taste, just remember to use raw rice.

In fact, raw rice is what distinguishes this dish from all other Uttarayana foods and has a very interesting story behind its use.

𝗗𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘂 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶 𝗕𝗵𝗼𝗴𝗮

Dhanu Sankranti is the first day of Pousha (9th month of Odia lunisolar calendar) and falls exactly one month before Makara Sankranti. It marks start of Pousha month and end of Margasira month in Odia calendar. Margasira month is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, wife of Lord Jagannath in Odia culture. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits households and blesses people with wealth and prosperity during this auspicious month. Hence, we make Jhoti Chita, traditional white art made from rice paste, on our doorways to welcome her and worships her every Thursday.

It is said that the Goddess visits her father’s house at end of Margasira on Dhanu Sakranti and stays there for one month. In her absence at Sri Mandir (temple), mother Yashoda prepares food for her son Lord Jagannath and offers them early in the morning. This is known as Pahili Bhoga, which means first offering of the day and is a delicious ‘khechudi' (khichdi). This ritual continues till Makara Sankranti when Goddess Lakshmi returns from her father’s house.

𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗼𝗱𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘂𝗹𝗮 𝗕𝗵𝗼𝗴𝗮

The story takes an interesting turn when the Goddess returns on Makara Sankranti and assumes that mother Yashoda is going to cook that day too. Simultaneously, mother Yashoda also assumes that Goddess Lakshmi is going to resume her preparation of temple food. As a result of this miscommunication, when time of Bhoga arrives, Lord is left without food. Hence, Goddess serves Makara Chaula, prepared with raw rice to Lord and his siblings in three silver plates as there was no time for cooking the rice. Every household in Odisha joins Lord Jagannath and shares a bowl of Makara Chaula with him on Makara Sankranti every year.

When I was a kid I used to make a fuss about Makara Chaula every year because of its raw nature. My mother used to tell me this story and it would always end with “ if God can eat it, you can too”. Makara Chaula isn’t just a traditional food for me but it is a lesson in humility, acceptance and above all knowledge that food is precious and so are the people preparing it. We should always respect food, never waste it and be grateful to God for providing it to us and to people who cooks for us.

A bowl of Makara Chaula, like the festival it is representing, signifies winter is ending and brings hope for warmer and brighter days.

PS - The story of Makara Chaula is based on local folklore that I have heard from my mother, grandmother, and other elders. I tried searching for its source but couldn’t find anything on the internet. Perhaps broader research into ancient Odia texts could provide some clues, but I don’t have the resources for that. Remember that such folklores often vary from region to region.

Happy Makara Sankranti 2025!