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Adhara Pana

On the Adhara Pana ritual on the penultimate day of Ratha Jatra.

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Sacred hues of trinity’s fabrics

On the spectacular weaves of the Jagannatha temple.

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The Mystical Mahasiddhas Of Buddhism And Their Odisha Connection

Odisha is well known as a great seat of Buddhism, especially of the Tantric kind. This is a journey into the stories of the Mahasiddhas in Odia culture.

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Simhachalam And Its Odia Connection

The great shrine of Simhachalam has been home to many kings and dynasties— few know that the early history of this temple is intimately associated with the Eastern Ganga dynasty. 

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The Veena’s Note In Odia Culture And Odissi Music

The Veena was one of the mandatory sevas at the Jagannatha Temple of Puri. Musicians used to be appointed in the temple to sing and play traditional Odissi classical songs.

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The Ashoka flower and Lingaraja’s ratha

The Ratha Jatra of Puri is famous, but the four rathas of Odisha are lesser known.

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Vegetarianism of the Crane

The tale of the vegetarian crane and other beliefs about the month of Kartika.

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Seven makers of the Ratha

Traditional craftsmen preserve the intricate ancient art of making rathas. Who are they and how do they work separately yet together to build these engineering & aesthetic marvels?

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Sitala Sasthi, the divine wedlock

One of the oldest poems in Odia literature is a satirical take on Shiva & Parvati’s wedding.

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Ancient poetesses of Odisha

The ancient poetesses of Odisha— from queens to dombis— wonderful women who talk about everything from philosophy, devotion, culture to romance, warfare, society.

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The Kaibartas of Odisha

The fisherfolk of Odisha and why they dance wearing horse-costumes in their ritual annual festival.

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Vivid backdrop of Kuanra Punei

Three autumn legends from Odisha.

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Where mother is son

On the night of Janmastami, Jagannatha is the mother and Jagannatha is the son. This is a deeper look at this curious ritual.

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Chipping Away History : The Sorry State Of The Puri Temple’s Modern-Day Aesthetic

The sudden changes in the Puri temple’s aesthetic decisions bother me. This is why.

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Sacred Squabble

Jagannatha might be the ideal deity for millions of his devotees around the globe, but his one wife is not too impressed. The divine husband and wife have a heated argument after the Ratha Jatra.

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Journey Toward Lord

A concise introduction to what the world famous Ratha Jatra of the Jagannatha Temple is all about.

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In The Absence Of Jagannatha

What happens in the empty chambers of the Jagannatha temple when the deities are away for the Ratha Jatra? An ancient legend explores this question.

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The extended family Of Jagannatha

Jagannatha has a brother, a sister, two wives, an uncle and an aunt; but no father or mother. All about the Odia gods and their elaborate families in local belief.

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Researching the Rath Yatra

Answers to some questions about Ratha Jatra.

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Curing A God: The Secret Of Anasara

Jagannatha bathes only once an year, and immediately afterwards, falls sick with fever. He lives inside a secret chamber. What actually happens inside nobody knows exactly.