Interesting Facts about Odisha

This article is all about historical, geographical, social, religious, cultural, amazing, rare, unknown interesting facts about Odisha.

Quick Basic Facts about Odisha

The ancient name of Odisha was Kalinga which was invaded and plundered by Mauryan King Ashoka.
This region is also known as “Utkal” which is mentioned in National Anthem also. The foundation day of Odisha i.e. 1st April is celebrated as “Utkal Divas”.
Throughout the medieval and British period Cuttack was the capital of Odisha. The capital was changed from Cuttack to Bhubaneshwar in 1948.
As per 113th amendment of Constitution, the name of Orissa was changed to Odisha and language Oriya was changed to Odiya.

Odisha borders with 4 states – Jharkhand in north, West Bengal in northeast, Andhra in South West, Chhattisgarh in west.
Odisha is drained by three main rivers – Mahanadi, Brahmani and Baitarni.
Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga are the important seasonal rivers.
Chilka lake is the biggest and most famous Brackish water (partial saline) lagoon. This is India’s biggest and World’s second biggest coastal lagoon. { Sambhar salt lake near Jaipur is the biggest saline lake of India, Wular lake of Kashmir is the biggest fresh water lake of India and Asia}
Chilka lake is about 64 Km long and about 20 Km wide. There are two beautiful islands in the lake – Parikud and Malud.
The largest Lion Safari of India and the only White Tiger Safari in the world, are located in Nandankanan National Park near Bhubaneshwar.
Mayurbhanj is the largest district of Odisha by area. Ganjam district is largest by population.
Deomali is the highest peak of state with an altitude of 1672 m.

Mineral Resources of Odisha – Chromite, Bauxite, Dolomite, graphite, iron-ore, coal, copper, kaolin, lead, quartzite, steatite and tin.
Agricultural Products of Odisha – Rice, pulses, oil seeds, jute, mesta, coconut and turmeric. Sugarcane is important cash crop of Odisha. 64% of population is dependent on agriculture. The state contributes one-tenth of rice production of India.
The main industries are Steel Plant at Rourkela, SAD complex at Chhatarpur, Heavy water project at Talchar, Coach repairing workshop at Mancheswar, HAL at Koraput, Fertilizer plant at Paradeep.
Hirakud Dam which is built on Mahanadi river is the fourth largest dam of world.
Paradeep is the major sea port of Odisha. Gopalpur is the all-weather port.

Odissi is the famous classical dance of the state.
Chadya, Dandanata and Chhau are the popular folk dances of Odisha.
Puri (Lord Jagannath) is one of the Char Dham (holy places of pilgrimages), other three are Kedarnath in north, Rameswaram in south and Dwarka in west.

Puri Rath Yatra is internationally famous Rath Yatra in which chariots of Lord Jagannath (Sri Krishna), Balbhadhra(Balram- Krishna’s elder brother) and Subadhra (Krishna’s sister) travels to Gundicha temple.

Konark is famous for great temple of Sun god. The temple is of the shape of huge charriot with 24 carved wheels, drawn by seven horses. It is also called as Black Pagoda while Puri Jagannath temple is called White Pagoda. It is designed in such a fashion that first Sun rays falls on the main entrance of temple. It was built in 13th century by king Narsimhadeva I. This temple is also known for its erotic sculptures.
Lingaraja temple is the most famous tourist place of Bhubaneshwar. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Literacy rate of Odisha is 73.4 % which is just below national average of 74.04 %. Odisha is 19th most literate state of India.

V V Giri – was the fourth President of India. he was born in Berhampur of Odisha.
Biju Patnaik, Janki Ballabh Patnail, Navin Patnaik, Giridhar Gamang are some famous politicians of Odisha.
Sudarshan Patnaik – is the world famous sand artist.
Mira Nair – is a famous Film producer. She was born in Rourkela in Odisha. She has done popular films like Monsoon Wedding and Salam Bombay.
Sarojini Sahoo – is the famous writer who has won a number of literature awards.
Nandita Das – is the famous actress who has done movies like Earth and Fire etc. She is daughter of famous Odiya painter Jatin Das.
Archita Sahu – is the famous Odiya actress and model.
Pragyan Ojha – is the famous cricketer who was born in Bhubaneswar.