Nestled in the lush landscapes of northern Odisha, Mayurbhanj district is a biodiversity hotspot, home to the Similipal Biosphere Reserve and vibrant tribal communities like the Santals and Mundas. With over 60% of its population comprising Scheduled Tribes, Mayurbhanj’s cuisine is deeply intertwined with its forests, rivers, and fertile soils. Here, “organic” isn’t a trendy […]
Category: Culture
The Ancient Paleolithic Roots of Mayurbhanj: Uncovering Prehistoric Settlements Along the Budhabalanga River
Nestled in the northeastern Indian state of Odisha, Mayurbhanj district is a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical significance. While it’s widely known for the Simlipal National Park and its vibrant tribal cultures, fewer people are aware of its deep prehistoric roots. Along the banks of the Budhabalanga River, archaeologists have unearthed evidence of […]
Discovering the Mystical Kichakeswari Temple: A Gem of Odisha’s Ancient Heritage
Hello, fellow travelers and history enthusiasts! Welcome to my blog where I dive deep into the hidden treasures of India. Today, we’re exploring the Kichakeswari Temple in Khiching, Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. This isn’t just any temple—it’s a stunning example of ancient Kalinga architecture, a site steeped in royal history, and a place that blends spirituality […]
Mayurbhanj Chhau: Odisha’s Maskless Martial Dance Legacy
Hello, culture enthusiasts! After exploring the wild wonders of Similipal in my last post, let’s dive into another gem from Mayurbhanj district in Odisha: the captivating Mayurbhanj Chhau dance. This semi-classical folk art form blends martial prowess, tribal rhythms, and storytelling magic, and it’s a UNESCO-recognized treasure. Whether you’re a dance aficionado or just love […]
Dhokra – An art of casting metal on wax
Introduction Though not native to Mayurbhanj, Dhokra craft has become integral part of this culture now. Go to any mela or just roam around on the streets of Baripada, you will often see road side dwellers and shops waiting for customers and enthusiasts with their beautiful metal sculptures. These beautiful looking sculptures are often in […]
Sabai Grass Handicraft – How old age art became a transnational craft ?
“Sabai grass” when I first time heard the name, I thought it’s something new but soon I realized that is the same “Bobai ghaso” which people in my village used to makes ropes from. In my childhood during my vacations, when I used play on the streets in the village, I have witnessed it many […]
Mayurbhanj and its famous Red Ants
Mayurbhanj is famous for its dense forests and tribes. Large part of this district is influenced by traditional food and culture. The native tribes play a vital role in cultural aspect of the society. Where the access to technology is seldom, natives still manage to find solution to their problem through their indigenous resources and […]
Chhau Nritya & The Chaitra Parva
Although it is unknown how the word Chhau came to existence. Some say sanskrit word “chaya” ( means stealth or shadow ), is the mother of this word – some say it was “chadma” (disguise). Equipped with many forms of dances and telling various stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata to traditional folk stories, this dance form […]
Baruneswar – Historic Shiva Temple
Baruni Shiva mandir is the one of the major temples in Baripada, Mayurbhanj. Established in 19th century, this temple is a major attraction on Maha Shiva Ratri. The temple is standing on the bank of water stream “Jarali Sarali”, which later meets with main river of town “Budha Balanga”. Town’s major burial ground ( Shamshaan […]