Odisha: State Overview
Odisha, located on the eastern coast of India, is a state rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Establishment Year | April 1, 1936, as the first Indian state (pre-independence) constituted on a linguistic basis. This day is celebrated as Utkala Dibasa (Odisha Day). |
| Borders | Bounded by Jharkhand and West Bengal to the north and northeast, the Bay of Bengal to the east, and Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to the south and Chhattisgarh to the west. |
| Population | 41,974,218 (as per the 2011 Census). It is the 11th most populous state in India. |
| Official Language | Odia (also known as Oriya). Other languages spoken include Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, and various Munda and Dravidian tribal languages. |
| Religion (2011 Census) | Hinduism is the overwhelming majority (94.35%). Muslims (2.07%) and Christians (2.44%) form the largest religious minorities. |
President's Rule in Odisha
President's Rule has been imposed in Odisha 8 times since the adoption of the Constitution. The first instance was in 1961.
List of Chief Ministers of Odisha (Post-Independence)
Below is a partial list of Chief Ministers of Odisha since 1947, highlighting the start and end dates of their tenures. Please note that some Chief Ministers had multiple non-consecutive terms.
| Chief Minister | Joined Date | Left Date |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab | 15th August 1947 | 12th May 1950 |
| Shri Nabakrushna Choudhury | 12th May 1950 | 19th October 1956 |
| Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab | 19th October 1956 | 25th February 1961 |
| President's Rule | 25th February 1961 | 23rd June 1961 |
| Shri Biju Patnaik | 23rd June 1961 | 2nd October 1963 |
| Smt. Nandini Satapathy | 14th June 1972 | 3rd March 1973 |
| President's Rule | 3rd March 1973 | 6th March 1974 |
| Smt. Nandini Satapathy | 6th March 1974 | 16th December 1976 |
| Shri Janaki Ballav Patnaik | 9th June 1980 | 7th December 1989 |
| Shri Biju Patnaik | 5th March 1990 | 15th March 1995 |
| Shri Naveen Patnaik | 5th March 2000 | 11th June 2024 |
| Shri Mohan Charan Majhi | 12th June 2024 | Present |
Note: The periods between tenures often include short spells of President's Rule or another Chief Minister.
Famous Places and Products (Worldwide or in India)
Famous Places
Odisha is often known for its rich temple architecture, coastline, and biodiversity.
* Konark Sun Temple ????: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its magnificent 13th-century chariot-shaped temple structure and intricate stone carvings.
* Jagannath Temple, Puri: One of the four holiest Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus and the host of the famous Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival), which attracts millions globally.
* Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar: A classic example of Kalinga style of architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva. Bhubaneswar is often called the "Temple City of India."
* Chilika Lake: The largest brackish water lagoon in India and Asia, famous for its migratory birds and Irrawaddy dolphins.
* Bhitarkanika National Park: Known for its dense mangrove forests and the largest population of saltwater crocodiles in India.
Famous Products & Handicrafts
Odisha has a vibrant tradition of art and craftsmanship that is renowned both in India and internationally.
* Pattachitra: A traditional cloth-based scroll painting unique to Odisha, famous for its intricate details, mythological narratives, and use of natural colors.
* Sand Art : Particularly famous in Puri, this art form involves creating sculptures from sand on the beach and is celebrated through the annual International Sand Art Festival.
* Silver Filigree (Tarakasi): An extremely delicate and fine art of making ornaments and decorative items from silver wire, primarily practiced in Cuttack.
* Odisha Handlooms: Includes famous silk sarees like Sambalpuri Ikkat (Tie-dye), Bomkai, and Berhampuri silk, known for their unique weaving patterns and motifs.
* Puri Khaja: A distinctive layered sweet soaked in sugar syrup, served as one of the Chhappan Bhog (56 food items) of Lord Jagannath.
* Chhena Poda: A unique cheese dessert from Odisha, literally meaning 'burnt cheese,' baked until caramelized.
