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Orissa and West Bengal Travel Guide
Orissa
is a state largely based on agriculture but the state is also rich in minerals
and a big exporter of iron ore, with a large factory at Raourkela. In its main
attractions are the Temples of the capital Bhubnaeshwar, the long sandy Beach
at Puri and the great Sun Temple at Konark.
West Bengal has got two extremes - Calcutta the capital with its maelstrom of
noise, culture, confusion and squalor at one end; and Darjeeling, serene and
peaceful at the other. Few other places of interest are ruined Mosques of Malda,
the Palaces of Murshidabad, the Temples of Vishnupur or the Sunderban Wildlife
Sanctuary.
Bengal is the blend of art, literature, music, dance, theatre and so on. The
Bengali theatre is quite popular and both amateur & professional performances
are quite refined. Traditional open-air performances are popular in the countryside,
along with kavigan an ad-lib duels in musical verse between village poets. Traditional
music takes the form of divine and enriched songs. The kathakata a religious
recital based on folklore, is another rural entertainment. Films offer yet another
type of popular diversion.
Another expression of Oriyan culture is Odissi, one of the finest forms of Indian
classical dance. Evolved out of spiritual consciousness, it formed an essential
part of the ritualistic services in the important shrines of Orissa. It is marked
for its elaborate grace and charm, revealed through rounded movements. Orissa
also has a rich body of literature with Sitakant Mahapatra being one of the
major voices in contemporary Ore poetry.
Best time to Visit : Orissa West Bengal between the months
of October to March
Places of Interest :
In Orissa - Bhubneshwar, Puri and Konark Temples
In West Bengal - Calcutta, Darjeeling, and Sunderbans wildlife Sanctuary.
Fairs & Festivals:
West Bengal - Bathing Festival, Mahesh Yatra, Jhapan Festival and flower festival.
Orissa - Tribal festival, Chariot Festival, RathYatra and Dance Festival.
Golden Triangle
