The sacred environs of Lord Jagannath temple, the eroticism of Konark's Sun temple, the wondrous caves of Jainism, the mystical monasteries of Buddhism, the paintings of folklore and the weaver's magic; all stand as meek evidences of an eloquent past and continuing golden present of Odisha (Odisha).
Expressions of the soul find way in the form of indigenous theatres namely 'Prahalad-Nataka' or the 'Dhanuyatra' here. Dance and music form an inseparable part of the rich culture of the state. The exotic classical dance of the region evolved from the cult of the 'devadasis' or female temple dancers. Folk dances like 'Chhow' and 'Sambalpuri' along with tribal dances like 'Ghumura' & 'Paraja' leave every spirit truly elated. Then there are fairs like 'Bali Jatra' that come as a reminder of an ancient maritime links with Bali. And to crown it all is the universally-acclaimed 'Rathyatra' of Lord Jagannath which has become an absolute synonym to Odishan culture.
Odisha has a rich cultural heritage, which is a harmonious blending of art, religion and philosophy interwoven around Lord Purushottam Jagannath’ – the internationally famous Vaishnavite God at Puri. The State has splendid historical monuments depicting glamorous heroic deeds and cultural upheavals. Puri, popularly known as the ‘Jagannath Dham’ because of the sacred shrine of Lord Jagannath has a special place in the cultural history of the country. It is one of the four dhams of India i.e. place of principal preceptor of Hindu Religion and a cultural nerve centre. Both Vaishnavism and Shaivism flourished in the State. Geographically ancient Odisha of the remote past was a link between Dakshinapath and the Aryavart and at the same time its mountain ranges were safe homes for the original primitives. Thus, it was a meeting ground of Anarya, Dravida and Arya Cultures all of which have ultimately contributed to the growth of Hinduism. Mahabharata describes Odisha as a land inhabited by saints (rishis).
The richness of the Culture of a region can be visualised from the sculptures and monuments of the past. The ‘golden triangle’ of Puri, Konark and Bhubaneswar has many magnificent and massive temples as examples of superb artistic, sculptural and architectural skill of the people of Odisha. The temple of Lord Lingaraj at Bhubaneswar is a centre of attraction for Shaivites. The Black Pagoda at Konark is a charming epitome of architectural perfection and proof of superb creative genius of the Odia people. The Jagannath Temple at Puri is a wonderful monument. These places along with many other such places have all along provided spiritual bliss as well as reawakening and have educated the people to follow a secular way of life. As already mentioned both Buddhism and Jainism had also flourished in ancient Odisha. In fact Lord Jagannath is also described by some scholars as a symbol of Buddhism, while He was originally a God of the Savaras i.e. one of the primitive tribes of the State.
Historically, under patronage of the Hindu Kings of the past, cultural unity through blending of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism has taken place in the State which is the Culture inherited by modern Odisha. The Culture of Odisha has been much refined subsequently under the influence of the Koran of the Muslims and Bible of the Christians but has never lost its basic values of exercising control over the passions, discarding materialistic ideology, showing respect to the religious beliefs of others, etc. Many scholars and devotees including Chaitanya Dev, have also contributed to the Culture of Odisha but no foreign invasion has been able to dwindle it down. Muslims and Christians who have equally flourished in this state have also contributed much to the Jagannath cult. Mention from among whom may be made of Salbeg. The Jagannath Culture of the State is often described as more than a faith and philosophy and is accepted and followed as a ‘Human Culture’.
While talking about Culture of Odisha one cannot forget the rich, artistic and eloquent Odissi Dance of the state, which is typical and famous for expression of the concepts of ‘rasa’ or supreme devotion to Lord Vishnu. The music of the State, also known as Odissi music, is also remarkable for its lucidity and rhythm.
Religion is another important cultural characteristic of the population of any country. Odisha, being traditionally a secular state, has never shown any intolerance towards any religion. Several religions have thrived in the comfortable cradle of this State.
Thus, while ancient Odisha was a meeting ground of primary races and basic Cultures, modern Odisha is a meeting ground of different religions and religious people. It is in true sense a beautiful abode where all people can live in harmony, love and friendship crossing all barriers and differences in faith.