March Month Odia Calendar 2024

Introduction

March is an exciting month in the Odia calendar as it marks the onset of spring and brings with it a plethora of events and festivals. As a resident of Odisha, I have personally witnessed the enthusiasm and joy with which people celebrate this month. In this article, I will delve deeper into the events and festivals that make March so special in the Odia calendar.

Events and Festivals in March Month Odia Calendar 2024

March is a month filled with various cultural, religious, and social events and festivals in Odisha. Some of the major ones are:

• Maha Shivratri: Celebrated on the 4th of March, Maha Shivratri is a major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. People fast and offer prayers to the deity.
• Holi: One of the most popular festivals in India, Holi is celebrated on the 17th of March in Odisha. People play with colors, dance, and feast on delicious sweets and snacks.
• Utkal Divas: Observed on the 30th of March, Utkal Divas marks the formation of Odisha as a separate state. People celebrate by hoisting the state flag and organizing cultural events.

Celebration of Festivals in March Month Odia Calendar 2024

The celebrations of festivals in Odisha during March are a sight to behold. The streets are adorned with colorful decorations, and people dress up in their traditional attire. On Maha Shivratri, devotees throng to the temples to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. On Holi, people smear each other with colors and water, dance to the beats of dhol, and savor mouth-watering delicacies such as gujiya and thandai. Utkal Divas is celebrated with great pride and fervor as people remember the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters who fought for the formation of the state.

Question and Answer Section

Q. What is the significance of Maha Shivratri in the Odia calendar?

A. Maha Shivratri is an important Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Nritya or the dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. Devotees fast and offer prayers to the deity to seek his blessings.

Q. What are the traditional sweets and snacks prepared during Holi in Odisha?

A. Gujiya, a sweet dumpling filled with khoya and dry fruits, is a popular delicacy during Holi in Odisha. Thandai, a cold drink made with milk, almonds, and spices, is also relished during the festival.

FAQs

Q. What is the history behind Utkal Divas?

A. Utkal Divas marks the formation of Odisha as a separate state on 1st April 1936. Prior to that, Odisha was a part of the larger province of Bihar and Orissa.

Q. How do people celebrate Utkal Divas in Odisha?

A. People celebrate Utkal Divas by hoisting the state flag, organizing cultural events, and paying homage to the freedom fighters who fought for the formation of the state.

Conclusion

March is a month of joy and celebration in the Odia calendar. The events and festivals that take place during this time bring people together and strengthen the cultural fabric of the state. From the solemnity of Maha Shivratri to the exuberance of Holi and the pride of Utkal Divas, March is truly a month to cherish and celebrate in Odisha.