Ek Bharat

Shreshtha Bharat
ABOUT EK BHARAT SHRESHTHA BHARAT

Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme aims to enhance

interaction & promote mutual understanding between people of
different states/UTs through the concept of state/UT pairing. The
states carry out activities to promote a sustained and structured
cultural connect in the areas of language learning, culture,
traditions & music, tourism & cuisine, sports and sharing of best
practices, etc
 Odisha
Odisha, also known as Orissa, is a state located on the eastern coast of India. It is the
8th largest state in terms of area and the 11th largest in terms of population. Here are
some key points about Odisha:
• Capital: Bhubaneswar is the capital and largest city of Odisha. It is known as the
"Temple City of India" due to its numerous ancient temples, including the famous
Lingaraja Temple.
• Language: The primary language spoken in Odisha is Odia. It is recognized as an
official language of the state.
• Culture and Heritage: Odisha has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its
classical dance form called Odissi. The state is also famous for its handicrafts,
including intricate stone and wood carvings, silver filigree work, and Pattachitra
(traditional cloth-based scroll painting).
• Tourism: Odisha offers a diverse range of tourist attractions. The state is home to
several beautiful beaches, such as Puri Beach and Chandipur Beach. The Sun Temple
in Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a major tourist attraction. The Chilika
Lake, Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, is also located in Odisha.
Geography of odisha
• Odisha lies between the latitudes 17.780N and 22.730N, and between
longitudes 81.37E and 87.53E. The state has an area of 155,707 km , which is 4.87%
2

of total area of India, and a coastline of 450 km.

• In the eastern part of the state lies the coastal plain. It extends from
the Subarnarekha River in the north to the Rushikulya River in the south. The
lake Chilika is part of the coastal plains.
• Odisha has several plateaus, including the Western Odisha Plateau and the
Koraput Plateau. These regions have an undulating terrain with valleys and
hills. They are known for their scenic beauty and are often covered with
forests.
Culture
• Odisha has a culinary tradition spanning centuries. The kitchen of the Shri
Jagannath Temple, Puri is reputed to be the largest in the world, with 1,000 chefs,
working around 752 wood-burning clay hearths called chulas, to feed over 10,000
people each day
• Odissi dance and music are classical art forms. Odissi is the oldest surviving dance
form in India on the basis of archaeological evidence.Odissi has a long, unbroken
tradition of 2,000 years, and finds mention in the Natyashastra of Bharatamuni,
possibly written c. 200 BC. However, the dance form nearly became extinct during
the British period, only to be revived after India's independence by a few gurus.
• The variety of dances includes Ghumura dance, Chhau dance, Jhumair, Mahari
dance, Dalkhai, Dhemsa and Gotipua.
Languages • Odia is the official language of
Odisha[ and is spoken by
81.32% of the population
according to the 2011 census of
India.
• It is also one of the classical
languages of India
• The standard language is
based on the Cuttacki dialect.
In addition to Odia, significant
population of people
speaking other major Indian
languages
like Hindi, Telugu, Urdu and 
Bengali are also found in the
state, mainly in cities.
Conclusion
With its warm and welcoming people, Odisha offers a blend of
tradition, history, and modernity. Whether you are a culture
enthusiast, nature lover, or adventure seeker, Odisha has
something for everyone.
In summary, Odisha is a treasure trove of cultural, historical,
and natural wonders that leave a lasting impression on anyone
who visits. It is a state that showcases the vibrant tapestry of
India's rich heritage and offers a truly unforgettable
experience.