Eastern India
Odisha
Odisha is a culturally rich eastern Indian state known for ancient temples, classical dance, tribal heritage, beautiful beaches, mineral resources, and the famous Jagannath culture. Bhubaneswar is the capital city and a major educational and IT hub.
46M
People
155,707 km²
Area
30
Districts
21
LS Seats
Formed: 1 Apr 1936
Capital: Bhubaneswar
Language: Odia
Basic Information
State Name: Odisha
Capital: Bhubaneswar
Formation Year: 1 April 1936
Official Language: Odia
Geography & Climate
Area: 155,707 sq km
Major Rivers: Mahanadi, Brahmani & Baitarani
Climate: Tropical wet & dry climate
Coastline: Along Bay of Bengal
Political Parties
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Biju Janata Dal (BJD)
Indian National Congress (INC)
Administration
Chief Minister: Mohan Charan Majhi
Governor: Hari Babu Kambhampati
Legislative Assembly: 147 Seats
Demographics
Population: ~46 million
Literacy: ~72.9%
Major Communities: Odia & Tribal groups
Major Cities: Bhubaneswar, Cuttack & Rourkela
Economy
Main Sectors: Mining, Steel, Agriculture & Tourism
Minerals: Iron ore, bauxite & coal
Agriculture: Rice, pulses & oilseeds
State Symbols
Animal: Sambar Deer
Bird: Indian Roller
Tree: Ashoka
Flower: Ashoka Flower
Foods
Traditional Foods: Dalma, Pakhala Bhata & Chhena Poda
Temple Cuisine: Jagannath Mahaprasad
Sweets: Rasagola & Chhena sweets
Tourism & Heritage
Famous Temple: Jagannath Temple, Puri
UNESCO Site: Konark Sun Temple
Natural Attractions: Chilika Lake & Simlipal National Park
Beaches: Puri, Gopalpur & Chandrabhaga
Transportation
Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport
Railways: Strong railway connectivity across India
Ports: Paradip Port & Dhamra Port
Culture
Dance: Odissi Classical Dance
Festivals: Rath Yatra & Durga Puja
Art: Pattachitra painting & silver filigree work
Education
Major Institutes: IIT Bhubaneswar & NIT Rourkela
Research Centers: Bhubaneswar educational hub
Focus Areas: Engineering & technology education
Interesting Facts
Odisha was the first Indian state formed on a linguistic basis.
Konark Sun Temple is famous for its stone chariot architecture.
Chilika Lake is Asia's largest brackish water lagoon.
Rath Yatra of Puri attracts millions of devotees every year.