Bhubaneswar City

Bhubaneswar/Bhubaneshwar - The capital of modern Orissa, is a wonderful combination of old-world charm and new-world comfort. The scriptures refer to the ancient city as the Ekamra Kshetra, literally meaning "mango orchards", which remind us of the union of Lord Shiva with the Goddess Parvati.

While the ancient city is 2,600 years old, the modern city came into existence in 1948 as the new capital of Orissa, designed by German architect OH Koeingsberges. It is said that there were about 7,000 temples here, which earned it the coveted title of the "Temple City of India".

Hundreds of temples still stand majestically as mute witnesses of a glorious past, beginning in the 7th century and culminating in the 13th century. The city holds up its legacy as it is a center of art and craft, manifest in the dazzling array of products like stone sculptures, pata paintings, palm-leaf etchings, silver filigree and papier mache.

The classical and the much-renowned Odissi dance and music have a solid foundation here, fondly nourished by several illustrious gurus. At the same time, the city has distinguished itself as a modern hi-tech city and an important IT center with a software technology park.

Kalinga Mahotsav - The highlight of this festival at Dhauli will be a demonstration of martial dances as a tribute to the forefathers who fought one of the fiercest battles against Emperor Ashok. Even though they lost the war, they gained immortality because they metamorphosed a warring monarch into an apostle of non-violence and peace.