Odisha O Odia

HAPPY ODIA NEW YEAR 2011

2009-04-12T18:01:00.000-07:00

A Gift For You ( Click Here) According to Hindu astronomy, the sun is directly over the equator on two particular days called Mesha Samkranti and Tula Samkranti. On these days, the day and night are of equal duration. It is during the day of Maha Visubha Sankranti that the sun comes in the northern direction of the equator, towards India. Hence in India, this day is considered as the beginning of the solar year. This day of 14th April is celebrated with lots of festivities and religious rituals. Mahabishuba Sankranti, is celebrated as the Oriya New Year . This calendar starts with the day when rays of then Sun being to straighten towards the Northern hemisphere and more precisely towards India. According to Hindu astronomy, the sun is directly over the equator on two particular days called Mesha Samkranti and Tula Samkranti. On these days, the day and night are of equal duration. It is during the day of Maha Visubha Sankranti that the sun comes in the northern direction of the equator, towards India. Hence in India, this day is considered as the beginning of the solar year. This special day is celebrated with lots of festivities and religious rituals.

On this day, religious people offer delicious “Pana” - (a sweet drink made of different types of fruits, water, milk, bela, curd and sugar or jaggery) is offered to the Tulsi Plant, Lord Shiva and their deities in various Temples of the state. People also drink this “Pana” with great enjoyment and fervor. During the festival you will find water pots placed on the roadsides to help the thirsty souls. Water is as also offered to animals and birds with equal enthusiasm. This Sankraniti is also known as Pana Sankranit to Jala Sankranti.

The summer season also commences from this period. In 2009, the date of Maha Vishuba Sankranti is April 14. In Hindu Panchang followed in United States and Europe, Oriya New Year date is marked on April 13.

Maha Vishuba Sankranti is noted for subdued celebrations. The highlight of the day is the preparation of sweet drink called ‘Pana,’ which is made from fruits, milk, curd etc. Cultural programs are organized in some regions including literary meetings.

People visit various temples and offer prayers and special pujas. Maha Vishuba Sankranti also marks the end of temple festivals in some regions of Orissa.

2009-03-27T17:09:00.000-07:00

Festival an d Fairs in Odisha : History beyond Remarks
A large number of festivals and fairs are celebrated in Odisha. Festival makes Odia lives more active and live . These differ from tribe to tribe, from caste to caste ,place to place and also from region to region. It was/is/will be an imperative part of rural as well as urban Odisha. Some fasts and Oshas are also undertaken by individuals in fulfillment of personal vows-either for one's own personal interest or in interest of one's loved ones or family.Vital of these events Odisha Witnesses beyond the time are :

Chandan Jaata/Chandan Jatra
Chandan Jatra is celebrated for twenty-one days in the month of 'Jaishtha' (May-June). When a smaller replica of Lord Jagannath is taken to the sacred tank for boating after being smeared with 'chandan' or sandal wood paste. It is other wise also called as NaabaKeli. As in case of a human being ,so as in case of it’s Lord also this is celebrated and aimed at providing cool comfort and relief from the summer heat. This is celebrated at places where there is a Jagannath temple and a lot of joy goes with it when pilgrims gather together. The main centre of this fair is at Puri, the celebrated 'Shrikhetra'; the original seat of Lord Jagannath.

Chandrabhaga Mela
Chandrabhaga Mela begins on the seventh day of the bright fortnight in the lunar month of Magha (January-February) and continues for seven days. It is held at the mouth of sacred Chandrabhaga river near the famous temple of Konarka. This sacred site figures in the myth of shamba of the Mahabharata days who was cured of his leprosy by worshipping Lord Surya, the Sun God. The Sun Temple of Konarka and the sacred site refer to the prevalence of a strong solar cult in the coastal Odisha. It is believed that whoever takes a bath in the Chandrabhaga will be cured of leprosy and bareness.

Maha Shiva Ratri
Shiva Ratri is the most important festival in the annual cycle of rituals which is celebrated in the month of Phalguna (February-March.). The fair draws pilgrims from villages and towns around and devotees fast till after mid-night when the sacred lamp (Mahadeepa) is taken to the temple spire. It is observed in a most sacred manner in respect of Lord Shiva . In odisha along with other temples of Shiva , it is observed most extensively in the palace of Lord Lingaraj in Bhubaneswar.

Dola Jatra
Beginning with the Purnima or the full moon day in the lunar month of Phalguna(February-March). The Radha and Krishna images from the Vaishnava temples begin the ritual journey to some important centres of congregation or Melana. With Holy or sprinkling of red 'abira' powder and chanting of bhajan and kirtan, the devotees come in a procession with images of Radha and Krishna carried in the Vimanas( Royal Vehicles) to the site of the fair. The deities pay a visit to several villages on their trip and receive homage and offerings from devotees. At the site of the fair chanting of spiritual songs and recitation of the Bhagavata and other scriptures are usually organised. The main message carries is all are same in this world and live with love and affection.
Rama Leela
The fair is held in honour of Lord Rama to celebrate the victory of virtue over vice Raavana. It is celebrated in some villages and towns in Odisha in the month of Chaitra (March-April). The masks of Rama, Raavana and others of the Ramayana myth are worn by characters in a dramatic re-enactment of the epic happenings. This is accompanied by music and singing and is presented in the form of folk opera. At last burning of the huge effigy is also practiced in Odisha.

Dandanata and Danda Jatra
The performance of strong belief and sacrifice to Lord is Dandanata. It is derived from 'Danda' a pole and 'nata' a dance which is performed in a fair called 'Danda Jatra'. This is celebrated in the month of Vaishaka (April-May). This fair is celebrated through dance, song and physical feats and the pole represents of Lord Shiva. The devotees are called 'Bhokta' and there are thirteen in a 'Danda' party. The leader is 'Pata Bhokta' , who leads a life of abstinence for twenty-one days prior to this festival. The Bhoktas move from village to village and perform at a house only when invited. The Bhoktas roll on the hot sand in the mid-day sun of summer, dance, and sing praying for the welfare of house holder. Whether someone in the family is childless or poor or suffering from some incurable diseases, the householder usually vows to become a 'Bhokta' next time if his miseries are removed.

Variations of 'Danda Jatra" are foundlike Jhamu Jatra consisting of walking on a trench of fire, and the another one is 'Uda Jatra" or Uda Patna in which the devotees are hooked from their back muscles and are swung high round a pole.

The austerities and physical sufferings include walking on fire, piercing the back with sharp nails, using poisonous snakes as garlands and making them sting the body, piercing the tongue or walking on a sharp sword edge etc, apart from fasting and abstinence. These are aimed in order to please and secure booms from Lord Shiva.
Patua Jatra is observed in the month of Vaishakha and aimed at propitiation of Lord Shiva for boons. The months of Chaitra and Vaishakha are specially sacred for Shiva worshippers or the 'lower castes' presumably derived from Buddhist society. The same physical tortures for spiritual benefit are undergone and they overlap in time and in the rituals with the variations of Dand Jatra.

Rath Yatra
The world famous an big spectacular chariot festival is held at the famous Jagannath temple at Puri. Rathyatra is also known as Car festival. This festival is celebrated in the month of Asadha, on the second day of the lunar fortnight (June-July).
Rathyatra is celebrated in honour of God Jagannath who is believed to be an incarnation of Vishnu. The legend goes that Indradyamna, the king of Avanti went to Puri to have darshan of Vishnu but he found that the god had disappeared. The sage Narada assured Indradyamna that Vishnu would appear to him in the temple form of 3 wooden images. When a big tree, radiant with light was seen floating in the sea, Narada told him to make 3 idols out of it and place them in a pavilion. Indrayamna got Visvakarma the architect of Gods, to build a magnificent temple to house the idols and Vishnu himself appeared in the guise of a carpenter to make the idols on condition that he was to be left undisturbed until he finished the work. Unable to control his curiosity, Indradyamna went to see Vishnu at work at which the latter abandoned his work leaving the images unfinished. But a divine voice told Indradyamna to install them in the temple.
The 3 images represent the god Jagannath, his elder brother, Balabhadra and their sister, Subhdra. On the day of the festival the images are taken out in procession in three chariots to their summer temple i.e Mausimaa mandira for a week.

This festival is followed by ‘Baahuda Jatra’ – the return trip of Rath Jatra of three deities from their Mausimaa to Shrimandira.

Pana Samkranti ( Makar Sankranti Or Odia New year)
Makara Sankranti marks the commencement of the sun's journey to the Northern Hemisphere (Makara raasi), signifying the onset of Uttarayana Punyakalam, and is a day of celebration all over the country. The day begins with people taking holy dips in the waters and worshipping the Sun.

Pana Samkranti or Chhatua Samkranti is celebrated to mark the first day of the solar month (mid of the April). On this day a small pot with a hole at the bottom filled with 'pana' or sweet drink made from Belvwa etc. is hung on a basil (Tulsi) plant. The falling of water from the pot symbolizes the falling of rain and thus this Samkranti marks the commencement of rainy season and of the cultivation cycle. The people of coastal Odisha ceremonially consume the flour of horse gram (chhatua) after offering it to the basil plant.

Makar Sankranti is celebrated in the month of 'Magh' and is a harvest festival. It is a celebration of spring on the occasion of the 'ascent' of the sun to the north (Uttarayana). It is a day of goodwill and friendship.

Special puja is offered as a thanksgiving for good harvest. According to folklore, girls who take the holy dip get handsome husbands and boys get beautiful brides.

Akshaya Trutiya
Akshaya Trutiya is celebrated on the third day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Vaishakha. This important festival is held in every farming household. It is symbolized by the ceremonial sowing of paddy in the field. Oblation is offered to the goddess of destiny, 'Shathi'. This is the most auspicious day to start the construction of house buildings, digging of tanks and wells. This is the day on which the construction of the chariots for Ratha Jatra of Lord Jagannath and his brother and sister starts.

Rajoparab
Rajo is one of the most popular and beautifully celebrated festivals of Odisha, though it is not observed in western Odisha. The first day of the Rajo festival is always celebrated in the last day of the solar month of Jaishtha. The festival continues for three days – Prathama Rajo, Rajo Sankranti and Sesha Rajo . It is believed that the Earth goddess had started to menstruate on the first day of the Rajo and after the third day she is taken to a ritual bath and returned to normalcy. So this is called as the menstruation period of the earth, so the earth is to be avoided like a woman. Therefore men and women avoid touching the earth.

Practically for three days there is a complete stoppage of work(for both farmer and plough cattles) and especially boys and girls take to the swing and sing the typical Rajo songs. Singing, merry-making, feasting and display of gymnastic feats and playing games become the most important preoccupations for this three days. Mitha Paana and Pouda Pitha are main attractions in this festival . On the fourth day, when the earth is ritually clean and is ready for fertilization, the ceremonial ploughing is undertaken in the paddy fields.

Gahma Purnami
This festival is celebrated as a merry festival of 'Gahma Purnei', on the full moon day of the lunar month of Shravana and is especially auspicious to agriculturists. On this day, cattle, especially plough cattle, are colourfully decorated and given special offering and are worshipped as 'Go-Lakshmi'. That is the day of rest for the cattle.

Garbhama Samkranti
This festival is celebrated on the first day of the solar month of Karthika. This is the time when the paddy plants or the ears of corn are forming. This is compared to pregnancy and hence the name 'Garbhma'. These pregnant rice plants represent Lakshmi the Goddess of wealth and fertility and are worshipped with offerings in the paddy fields. They believe that through supernatural intervention a huge quantity of corn will thus harvested. All the family members eat to their heart's content. It is celebrated with most dedicative and sincerely.

Kumar Purnima
This festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the lunar month of Ashwina bring untold pleasure to the unmarried boys and girls. The worship of moon God is held at home as Janha Mamu (Moon, the maternal uncle.) brings them various delicacies and new clothes. New dresses are prepared for all members in the family and celebrated with joy and eating of many sweet items in a get together family.

Chhadakhai
In the sacred month of Karthika many people forego their favourite non-vegetarian dishes till Karthika Purnima as part of sacred ritual. The day after the full moon is the great day of release from this religious taboo and all indulge in non-vegetarian dishes to their heart's content.

Prathamashtami
This festival is celebrated for the well being of the first born in the family, whether boy or girl. The celebration falls on the eighth day of the lunar month of Margashira. Oblations are offered to God Ganapathi to protect the child against all hurdles in life. The child is given a new dress, feasted and blessed by the parents and other elders and friends. Generally elder sons and daughters are newly dressed and welcomed in this celebration.

Shamba Dashami
The festival is celebrated on the tenth day in the bright fortnight in pousha lunar month. As per the myth Lord Krishna's son, Shamba, was cursed by a sage and he could get rid of his leprosy. The deaded disease only by worshipping the Sun God at Arka tirtha, which is located on the Konark beach in Odisha. Women fast and worship Sun at dawn, midday and dusk and offer a variety of rice cakes and other delicacies.

Karma
The karma is a famous autumn festival which starts from the eleventh day of the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadrab and continues for some days in the month of Ashwina. The festival is celebrated in most of Odisha's villages in Sambalpur and Phulabani districts.
The story behind this celebration goes: six sons of a rich merchant set sail in a ship for trade, leaving the youngest brother at home. When they returned they saw to their amazement that their wives danced in the 'Karma' festival, while the youngest brother was playing on the drum. Being enraged, they drove away their wives. At this, 'Karma' (the god of fortune) got angry and all their wealth vanished. They repented for their folly of driving out the goddess of wealth along with their wives. With the counsel of their wives they went in search of the God of fortune and met a milkman on the way. The latter requested them to ascertain from the God why the number of his cows was fast decreasing. After some time they saw a strange man bearing on his head a piece of broken earthen pot with fire burning in it, and another man carrying a husking peddle on the shoulder. The next man they met was shivering in the suffering of these persons from the God and the means of getting free from them. The God after due worship was kind to them and on return they found that their house was filled with gold and jewels.

Mana Basa or Gurubara Osha
Worship of Goddess Lakshmi by the farmer with plenty of harvesting is Mana Basa. At the time when the paddy in the low-lying fields is ripe and harvesting has begun. Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth has blessed the cultivator and is to be thanked and the family members rejoice in the bounty.
It is a weekly celebration of the worship of the goddess with varieties of cakes and other delicacies in every Thursday which is considered to be the day of Lakshmi. The goddess is represented by a special variety of whitish paddy put in a grain measure ('Mana'). The lady of the house fasts and worships the goddess. Only the members of the family can partake of the oblations. Otherwise, goddess Lakshmi may leave the household of the worshipper. The concluding festivities of the last Thursday of the month are most elaborate.

Dutiya Osha or Dutibahana Osha
Thi fast is observed on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the lunar month of Ashwina for the fecundity of the luckless women. Women who are barren or are delivering still-born children or whose children have died. Worship the deified Dutibahana born of a Brahman widow and austerities by abstaining even from water. Various fruits are offered to the goddess who is credited with many great miracles with all sanctity and Blessings.

Sudasha Vrata
Sudasha Varta is observed by women on the tenth day in bright fortnight when it falls on Thursday. Lakshmi the Goddess of wealth is worshipped with offering of 10 steamed rice cakes (manda) under great austerities. With sacred thread of 10 strands, 10 knots are made praying to Lakshmi in her 10 forms and numes and tying together 10 grains of raw-rice and 10 blades of durva grass in a sacred leaf, an arm band is formed and worn for religious merit, prosperity and well being. In the myth a King had got back his kingdom and wealth as his wife observed Sudasha Vrata.

NIRMALYA AND CHHAPAN BHOG FOR LORD JAGANNATH

2009-02-13T02:30:00.000-08:00

The great and most valuable sacred item before Lord Jagannath is ‘Nirmalya’ . Dried rice(anna) Mahaprasad means ‘Maha Karunaa’ i.e. Great and divine grace known as “Nirmalya” is also used by devotees and tourists for different sacred occasions.
56 sacred items of Jagannath Temple, Puri called as ‘Chhapan Bhog, are as follows:
1 ) Ukhuda ( Sugar coated pup rice)
2 ) Nadia kora (Coconut ladu)
3 ) Khua (condensed milk)
4 ) Dahi (Yoghurt)
5 ) Pachila kadali (Ripe Banana)
6 ) Kanika (Flavoured Sweet Rice)
7 ) Taata Khechudi (Dry Khechudi)
8 ) Mendha Mundia (A kind of cake)
9 ) Bada Kanti (Fried Cake)
10) Matha Puli (A kind of Pan cake)
11) Hamsa Keli (Sweet cake)
12) Jhili ( Thin pan cake like Dosa)
13) Enduri ( Idli)
14) Adapachedi (Ginger Jelly/Jam)
15) Saga Bhaja (Fried leafy vegetables)
16) Kadali Bhaja (Fried Plantain)
17) Maricha Ladu (Black pepper Ladu)
18) Saana Pitha ( Small size Cake)
19) Bara (Donalds)
20) Arisha (Sweet fried cake made of rice flour)
21) Bundia (Sweet granules made of gram flour)
22) Pakhal (Water rice)
23) Khiri (Milk Rice)
24) Kadamba (A kind of sweet)
25) Pat Manohar (Name of a sweet)
26) Takuaa (Sweets shaped like tongue)
27) Bhaga Pitha (A kind of cake )
28) Gotai (A kind of salty cake)
29) Dalma (Dal with vegetables)
30) Bada Kakara (Large Fried sweet cake)
31) Luni Khuruma (Salty Biscuits)
32) Amalu ( Malpua, Sweet Puri)
33) Suar Pitha (Poda Pitha, Baked Cake)
34) Biri Buha (Black gram cake )
35) Jhadai Nadaa (Small ball shaped cakes)
36) Khasta Puri (Strong fried cakes)
37) Kadali Bara (Fried Plantain)
38) Saana Arisha (Small fried cakes)
39) Sakar (Chatni)
40) Podo Pitha (Panned Cake)
41) Kanji (Sour Rice)
42) Dahi Pakhal (Curd rice )
43) Bada Arisha (Large size Fried cake)
44) Tipuri (Three stage fillings)
45) Sakara (Sugar candy)
46) Suji Khir (Milk with samolina)
47) Muga Sijha (Boiled green gram)
48) Manohar (A kind of sweet)
49) Magaja Ladu (A kind of sweet)
50) Panaa (Sweet Drink)
51) Anna (Rice)
53) Ghia Anna (Ghee rice)
54) Daali (Sweet Dal)
55) Besar (Curry)
56) Saaga (Leafy vegetables)

Eminent Personalities of Odisha

2009-01-10T11:13:00.000-08:00

Fakir Mohan Senapati (1843-1918)
Fakir Mohan Senapati was born in a Khandayat family in a small village ‘Malli Kashapur’ near Balasore town. His father died when he was at the age of one year and five months only. His mother also died after 14 months of the death of his father. His grandmother brought him up. He used to remain ill when he was an infant. His grandmother usually took him to the fakirs. His name was originally Brajamohan. His grandmother changed his name to Fakir as a dedication to the Fakirs she used to take him.
A Master in the art of writing short stories, he injected a new life in Oriya literature in an environment of gloom and despair. His sence of humour remains unsurpassed in Oriya literature. Discarding romantic themes, he wrote about the common man and his problems. Senapati could rightly be compared with the 20th Century great novelist like Premchand and Bibhutibhusan Banerjee. Eventhough he had no formaleducation, he proved to be an enlightened teacher, painter and a great administrator. In his writings, Oriya Nationalism was the dominant theme. As a recognised literary poet, Senapati has made his place secure as a great prose writer in Oriya.
He established a press at Balasore in the year 1868 by the name “Utkal Press”. He published various magazines from time to time in the name of “Bodhadayini”, “Nabasambad” and “Sambad Bahika”. He was the President of the annual conference of “Utkal Sahitya Samaj” held in 1912. He went to visit ‘Satyabadi School’ in1915 and was very much impressed of the works of Gopabandhu. The annual conference of Utkal Sahitya Samaj was held at Cuttack in March 1917 where he was the ‘President’. He gave birth to the modern Oriya literature. He wrote many stories, novels and poetry. His autobiography was Orissa’s first and foremost admirable self-character. He was the key creator of modern Oriya short stories and novels. He was one of the main leads among the other authors who wrote against the cruelty of British rule. He revolted against the conspiracy to suppress the Oriya language, which was going on at the time. Due to his steps for the establishment of Oriya press, publishing of Oriya books, newspaper and literature magazine, Oriya language could survive which would otherwise have been a history forever. His literature consisted completely of pure Oriya and melodrama, his unscathed image in the society and his revolutionary social ideology. He was an eminent laureate, writer, poet, editor, critic and administrator. He is remembered as “Vyasa Kabi”. His contribution to Oriya language and literature is unforgettable.
Fakir Mohan was the father of Modern Oriya prose-fictions and uncrowned monarch of the Oriya Language Movement. He was a versatile genius. He had a chequered career and covered almost all the fields of literature. He was a successful poet, a pioneer novelist, a top ranking short-story writer, an essayist, a translator, a travelogue writer, a critic, a satirist, an ardent social reformer par excellence, a capable administrator, a premier publisher and printer, an editor, a journalist and what not. His vast and varied intellectual pursuits place him as a brilliant and outstanding POLYGLOT.
Fakir Mohan Senapati relentlessly and single handedly fought for the survival of Oriya language and claimed a special status in the mainstream of national linguistic order. One of the preconditions of this, is carrying out education through Oriya language in the Oriya speaking tract. He emphasized and worked upon the publication of books in Oriya. He set himself to translate the text books from other languages, wrote Oriya Grammar, the basic note and Biographies in his early literary era. This multi-faceted personality had an eventful life with intriguing details. The Oriya nationalist movement marked the dawning of Orissan Renaissance during 19th century episodes.

Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das (1848-1934)
First Oriya to get the Degree of M.A. B.L. from Calcutta University. Took a valiant stand for unification of scattered Oriya tracts. Emerged on the Eastern horizon as a symbol of new hope and aspiration of all Oriyas. Was the founder of Utkal Sammilani, architect of Oriya movement and pioneer in the field of industrial development. Acclaimed as a great Legislator and Journalist, he was the first Oriya to be the member of Legislative Council and Member of Central Legislative Assembly and was the first to sail overseas. He had the distinction of being the first Indian Minister.
Utkal Gauraba Madhusudan Das was a great legislator and journalist who rose as a symbol of new hope and aspiration of all Oriyas. He was the founder of the English magazine named 'The Oriya'. His poem 'swalpa hele sudha' revealed love for the Oriya community. He was the member of administrative council of Orissa, Bihar and Bengal for around thirty years from 1896. He had served the office of the minister for self-administration and health for Bihar and Orissa from 1921 to 1923, the post which he eventually resigned owing to differences with the British.
Madhusudan Das was also a reputed industrialist. Acclaimed as an eminent lawyer and administrator, Utkal Gauraba Madhusudan Das passed away in 1936.

Pandit Gopabandhu Das ( 1876-1928)
Pundit Gopabandhu Das took birth in a noble Brahmin family in a village called Suando situated on the banks of river Bhargabhi in the district of Puri. After completing his education from the village school he passed his "Entrance" from the District School of Puri" in the year 1899. He passed his B.A from Revenshaw College in 1904 and later passed B.L. from Calcutta University in 1906.
Aptly described as the Gandhi of Orissa, Pandit Gopabandhu Das played a pivotal role in the formation of a separate province of Orissa. Born and brought up in an atomsphere of Brahminical orthodoxy, he shattered the shackles of narrow caste barriers. A Law Graduate from the Calcutta University. He was an active sentinal of Oriya Movement, Freedom Fighter and a great social reformer. As an educationist he was responsible for establishment of Satyabadi School at Satyabadi in the Puri District. Imbued with patriotic fervour the students of Satyabadi School were known as indefatigable fighters against British Imperialism. Gopabandhu regarded politics as an instrument of service to the people. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, Gopabandhu was one of the Noblest Sons of Orissa. His spirit of service and sacrifice finds an apt echo in his following lines.
“Let my body mingle in the dust of my motherland and let my countrymen walk across it”.

Nilakantha Das (1884-1969)
Secured M.A. Degree in Philosophy from Calcutta University. Spurned an offer of a lucrative job by the British Govt. and preferred to serve as the Head Master of Satyabadi High School. Endowed with a profound erudition he became a legendary figure in his life time. A powerful speaker, his speaches in Central Legislative Assembly and Orissa Legislative Assembly have left an indelible impression on Legislative history. He was a rare amalgam of a Writer, Editor, Speaker and Author. Author of an excellent commentary of Geeta. His epics are considered as Master piece of Oriya Language. A distinguished freedom fighter and a revolutionary, he inspired the youth to fight against untouchability and other social evils. Led the movement for amalgamation of outlying Oriya tracts and was a symbol of Oriya culture.

Biswanath Das (1989-1984)
Biswanath Das was born in Polasara village of Ganjam district. He finished his matriculation from Victoria high school, cuttack. He passed his graduation from Ravenshaw college in 1916 and B.L. form Calcutta university in 1918. He started his law practice as a Junior Lawyer under Madhusudan Das. In 1920 he started his law practice in Berhampur. He served the country as a lawyer.
An eminent Freedom Fighter, able Statesman, remarkable Administrator, astute politician and a Charismatic leader. He was elected as the president of the Ganjam District Board in the year 1920 and joined the Non-cooperation movement in response to the call of Mahatma Gandhi in 1921 after giving up his lucrative law practice. Continued to be a member of Madras Legislative Assembly from 1921 to 1930. Gave up the membership of the Madras Legislative Assembly in 1931 and joined Salt Satyagraha. As a great Patriot led the peasant movement and fought for the creation of a separate Orissa Province. He had the distinction of being elected as Prime Minister of Orissa. Resigned from the Prime Ministership on 4th November 1939 at the bidding of Indian National congress. In 1950 got elected to Lok Sabha and became the President of Utkal Pradesh Congress Committee. He was appointed as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh. A noble son who has left an indelible impression on a resurgent Orissa.
Biswanath Das has formed many laws to help the farmers. He was the president of the Utkal Sammilani held at Berhampur. He was the President of the Orissa Pradesh Congress committee during 1948 to 1953 and 1955 to 1956. He has established the ‘Veda Bhawan’ in the four holy dhamas of India. He has also contributed 1lakh Rupees for the p[romotion of Sanskrit education. He was interested in the cultural development of India and so he was related to many cultural organisations. He used to contribute them financially also. He was a person of high morale and was very disciplined. He was very religious.

Gajapati Maharaja Krushna Chandra Dev ( 1892-1974)
An Architect of modern Orissa. He attended the first Round Table Conference in London on 16th November 1930 wherein he made a fervent appeal for creating a separate province of Orissa on the basis of Language and homogeneity.
After Orissa was granted separate statehood in 1936, Krushna Chandra Dev was twice elected as the Prime Minister of the state. Utkal University, Medical College, Orissa High Court, and the Agricultural Research Center took shape during his rein. He adored the Oriya literature and the artworks of Orissa and was instrumental in establishing a permanent theatre at Paralakhemundi for promoting cultural activities. He also played an important role in the agricultural development of the state.
He will be remembered as the architect of modern Orissa who had revolutionized the social and economic fiber of the state.
As an eloquent spokesman of Oriyas, he was felicitated by Madhusudan Das, the father of modern Orissa. As a scion of illustrious Ganga Ruler he espoused the cause of the poor and downtrodden. Later played an important role in bringing together the vivisected parts of Orissa and laid the foundation of United Orissa. He was a member of old Madras Legislative Council, a member of royal commission of Agriculture and a member of Orissa Legislative Assembly. He was twice elected as Prime Minister of Orissa. He was an Educationist, Freedp, Fighter, Social Reformer and a champion of the poor. He established a permanent theatre at Paralakhemundi for promoting cultural activities.

Biju Pattanaik ( 1916-1997)
Biju Pattnaik was born in Cuttack. His father Laxmi Narayan Pattnaik belonged to a village called Nuagan situated near Bhanjanagar and was Munsif in Cuttack. Biju Pattnaik had completed his education from Cuttack Mission School, Revenshaw Collegiate School and Revenshaw College. He went for pilot training while he was studying his B.Sc. After completion of his pilot training he was employed as an airplane pilot in the Indian National Air Force. Besides being a good student he was also interested in sports and games. He went on a tour from Cuttack to Peshawar on his bicycle. He used to help in distribution of relief during the floods. He was associated with Pundit Gopabandhu Das. The police offended him when he had been to see Gandhi during his visit to Cuttack. He was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s struggle for freedom moment. He used to take Jayaprakash and many more such freedom fighters to secret places in his plane. When the British government came to know this he was sent to jail on 13-01-1943. He was freed in 1945. After that he took part in politics.
He was elected for the Vidhan Sabha for the first time in1946 from Cuttack on behalf of congress party. He became the President of Utkal Congress Committee in 1961. Third general election for the Orissa Vidhan Sabha took place only because of his efforts and under his leadership. Congress won 87 seats out of 140 seats. He was the Chief Minister from 23 –06-1961 to 01-10-1963. As per the Kamaraj Yojna he resigned from the post of Chief Minister. Biren Mitra succeeded him. He was the President of Rajya Yojana Board from 1963 to 1965. He resigned from congress party in 1970 and formed a new party called Utkal Congress. In 1971 elections his Utkal Congress party could manage to win only 33 seats. He joined Utkal Congress party hands with Bharatiya Lok Dal in 1974 and became the president of the local branch. He also was the opposition leader. He was in jail for 18 months during in 1975 national emergency. He played a major role in formation of the Janta Dal in 1976. He was elected for the Lok Sabha in 1977 from the Janta Party and became the Cabinet Minister for Steel & Mines in the center. He had a major hand in making V.P.Singh the Prime Minister of India. In 1978 he became a member in Charan Singh’s Janta(S) party and remained as the minister in the center till 1980. He was the leader of opposition of Vidhan Sabha in 1985. During the 9th election for the Vidhan Sabha that was held in 1990 Janata Party had won 123 seats out of 140. Congress could manage to win only 10 seats. Biju Pattnaik became the Chief Minister for the second time after a gap of 27 years on 05-03-1990. Congress got the majority in 1995 and Janaki Ballav Pattanaik became the Chief Minister. As a result Biju Pattnaik had to resign on 14-03-1995.
Biju Pattanaik was a trained pilot of acknowledged competence. Had special interest in Science and Technology and was responsible for instituting the prestigious International Kalinga Prize. He was the pioneer of Industrial movement in Orissa and was the head of Air Transport command during the war (1940-42). An indefatigable freedom fighter, he led the underground movement for freedom of the country along with Shri Jayaprakash Narayan, Dr. Ram Mohan Lohia and others. Landed first platoon of troops in Srinagar during attack by Pakistani raiders. Suceeded in safely airlifting the Indonesia leaders during war. He was honoured by the Indonesia Govt. as “BHUMIPUTRA”. Elected to Orissa Legislative Assembly from 1952. Chief Minister of Orissa from 1961-1963 and 1990-1995. Member, Rajya Sabha 1980-1984 and 11th Lok Sabha from 1996-1997. Union Minister of Steel from July 1977 to January 1980. He had the distinction of laying the basic infrastructure for development of Orissa. Special mention could be made of Paradeep Port, MIG Factory at Sunabeda, Ferro Silicon Complex at Theruvali, Hydro Electric Power Project Balimela. Thermal Power Station, Talcher, Engineering College, Rourkela, Engineering College and Medical College at Burla, Express High Way linking Dairari with Paradeep, Sainik School, Regional College of Education, Bhubaneswar, Regional Research Laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology and many others.
He was a great visionary who worked relentlessly for the uplift of the people of Orissa.

Chandra Sekhar Behera ( 1873-1936)
Eminent Freedom Fighter, first lawyer in Sambalpur, Chardra Sekhar Behara was born on 20th May, 1873 in Dhankauda Village near Sambalpur Town. Remembered for his dedicated works for restoration of Oriya Language in Western Orissa, Chandra Sekhar was actively concerned with the freedom movement and was jailed for several times. He was involved in a good no. of socio – political and cultural organizations. He was instrumental in the activities of Utkal Sammilani in formation of the separate statehood for Orissa. Chandra Sekhar breathed his last on 23rd January, 1936.
Chandra Sekhar Behera of Sambalpur was a leading freedom fighter and an active participant in the Non-Cooperation Movement. He consolidated the National freedom movement in Sambalpur region and merged his activities with the Indian National Congress. He was a founding member of the National School of Sambalpur started on lines of Satyabadi Vana-Vidyalaya founded by Gopabandhu Das. As the chairman of Sambalpur Municipality, he received Gandhijee in Sambalpur in 1928. Organised a mass movement against illiteracy and untouchability.

Netaji Subash Chandra Bose
Netaji Subash Chandra Bose was born in Cuttack. At that time his father Janaki Nath Bose was an established lawyer. Netaji completed his schooling from Missionary School and later on passed his matric in 1913 from Revenshaw Collegiate. He went to Calcutta and studied in the Presidency College. Then later on he passed his ICS Exam from London with distinction. He was a brilliant student. He always used to stand first. While he was a student he was involved in social welfare work like helping in the treatment of the poor patients, people suffering from floods, helping the poor and needy.
When he returned from London after his studies, the then political situation gave inspiration to his revolutionary and patriotic thoughts. He did not love his job as a Civil servant and left his job to join in the struggle for independence. He went to jail for 11 times from 1921 to 1941. He was first Mayor in Calcutta Corporation. He leaded the self-care Congress committee and proved himself by his works. He became the President of Indian National Trade Union Congress in 1931. He became the President of National Congress in 1938. He selected Harekrushna Mahtab from Orissa during this period for the Congress working committee. Before this no person was taken from Orissa in the Congress working committee. Netaji won the election that was held for the President of Congress in 1939. But due to some misunderstanding and mismatch with thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi he resigned from the congress and formed a new political party in the name of ‘Forward Block’. After he came to Orissa many other leaders like Pundit Nilakantha Das, Godabarish Mishra, Dibakar Patanaik etc. had joined the forward block. During the Second World War, the British under strict vigil kept him in jail. But he fled from the jail in a dramatic manner in 1941 and could not be traced. He formed “Ajad Hind Fauj” or “The Indian Army” with the help from countries of Germany, Japan and Italy. He then fought against the British for the Indian independence. He formed an Independent Indian Government staying abroad. His Ajad Hind Fauj freed Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Manipur from the British rule and declared separate independent states. But it was fortune that did not favour him and the Germans and the Japanese lost in the world war and his aim was not fulfilled.
He died in 18 August 1945 while he was travelling in an airplane from Singapore to Tokyo in the crash. But his death due to plane crash still remains an unsolved mystery. He played a key role in the making India free. He believed in freeing India from the hands of the British rule. Had he been alive after Indian independence he would surely have been an uncontested leader. His words “Jai Hind” till today inspires all Indians for patriotism. He loved his birthplace Orissa. He took steps to make Orissa a separate state. He used to exchange letters with Pundit Gopabandhu. While he was in jail he wrote letters to Gopabandhu. He wrote letter to an eminent Bengali writer to write a book on Konark while he was in jail. He being a famous personality of India as well as in the whole world, the people of Orissa should be proud of his works and honours.

Harekrushna Mahatab
Harekrushna Mahatab took birth in a small ‘vaishya’ family in Agarpada of Balasore district. After completing his matric from Bhadrakh High School he joined in BA in Revenshaw College. He left BA in 1921 and took part in the struggle for freedom. After that he took active part in politics and in serving for the country. He took part in ‘Pada Yatra’ of Orissa in 1921, which was started by Mahatma Gandhi. He became the Sampadak of Balasore district congress committee in 1921. He became the President of Balasore district board in 1924. He was the President and Sampadak of Pradesh Congress Committee in 1929 and remained in the post for many times. When Subhas Chandra Bose was the president of congress he was the first person from Orissa to be the member of Congress working committee. Since he took part in active politics he always used to hold high post in congress party of the state and center. He took part in “Quit India Movement” in 1942 and was sent to jail from 1942 to 1945.
After Indian independence there were about 500 odd states in India. Mahatab played an important lead role in uniting these states into bigger ones for which his name shall be written in golden words in the Indian history forever. This was started from Nilagiri province of Orissa. To maintain the law and order in the province of Nilagiri, Mahatab took the permission from Indian government on 14-11-1947 and Orissa ruled over Nilagiri. This was the first province to get united under the state in all over India. After this incident Sardar Patel signed an agreement on 14th and 15th December 1947 when 25 such provinces were united and brought under the rule of Orissa. After this the path opened for the other provinces to get united similarly. This was an excellent example of Mahatab’s experience in politics and his diplomacy. He played an important role in this union of provinces into bigger states. His other works includes shifting of capital of Orissa from Cuttack to Bhubaneswar, plan for the building of Hirakud dam and plan for power generation at Duduma waterfall. He also owes credit in establishment of Orissa high court, inauguration of wireless center at Cuttack, establishing Utkal University at Bhubaneswar, establishment of steel plant at Rourkela etc He has also contributed a lot to the field of literature and journalism. He has written many fruitful books in English and Oriya that includes history, novels, stories and poems. His book ‘Gan Majlis’ is a new step in the history of Oriya literature. He started “Prajatantra” from 1923 as a weekly magazine. Now this is one of important daily newspapers existing in Orissa. He also started a magazine “Jhankar” in Oriya literature and another children’s magazine “Minabajar”. He also started a function on literature, which was held every year and hosted by Prajatantra. He was honoured doctorate degree from the Andhra University, Utkal University and Sagar University. The Kendriya Sahitya Academy also awarded him. He was associated with many institutions. He had visited many countries like England, America, France, Japan, and Africa. For around five decades he played an important role in the politics of Orissa. He was well versed and had gained expertise in politics and diplomacy. He left behind many eminent personalities of Orissa in the field of politics and was able to reach to a respectable position. But 18-05-1947 was a dark day in his political career where he had to loose from the leaders of the center when ‘Kharasuan’ and ‘Sareikala’ was taken away from Orissa and was mixed in the state of Bihar. He was a freedom fighter, socialist, educator, philosopher, historian, writer, editor, administrator and a famous leader. He is popularly known as “Utkal Keshari”.
After the second Vidhan Sabha elections in 1946, Harekrushna Mahatab assumed office as the chief minister of Orissa and continued in the office till 1950. He also served as a cabinet minister in the ministry of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1950 and later became the governor of Maharashtra. Owing to the political crisis that hit Orissa in 1956, he resigned from the governorship of Maharastra and took charge as the chief minister of Orissa. He was also a member of the parliament from 1961 to 1967. After resigning from the Congress in 1973, he ended his political career. He was put behind the bars for protesting against the declaration of national emergency in 1975.
Harekrushna Mahatab had played an important role in the integration of states. Acclaimed as a writer and poet, his book ‘Gan Majlis’ is considered as a new step in the history of Oriya literature. Honored with doctorate degrees from the Andhra University, Utkal University and Sagar University, Mahatab spend his entire life for the uplift of the people of Orissa. Popularly known as Utkal Keshari, this eminent statesman died in 1987.