Odisha

Odisha, on the Bay of Bengal, is a state of great temples, golden beaches and living traditions. The triangle of Bhubaneswar – the "temple city" – Puri with the Jagannath temple and its famous Rath Yatra, and Konark with its Sun Temple is one of India's richest heritage circuits. Chilika lake, Similipal's forests and the Olive Ridley turtle nesting beaches add natural wonders.

Ancient Kalinga was the scene of Emperor Ashoka's bloody conquest around 261 BCE, after which he embraced Buddhism and non-violence. Later the Eastern Ganga and Gajapati dynasties built great temples. Odisha became a separate province on 1 April 1936, the first Indian province formed on a linguistic basis – celebrated as Utkal Divas. The state was renamed from Orissa to Odisha in 2011.

Fertile coastal plains around the Mahanadi delta give way to the Eastern Ghats and the forested plateaus of the north and west. Major rivers include the Mahanadi, Brahmani and Baitarani. The coast is often hit by cyclones, and the state has become a model for disaster preparedness.

Odisha has large reserves of iron ore, bauxite, chromite and coal, supporting steel and aluminium industries. Agriculture, fisheries and tourism are also important, and Paradip is a major port.

Odia, one of India's classical languages, is the official language. Odissi is one of India's oldest classical dance forms. Pattachitra painting, silver filigree from Cuttack, Sambalpuri ikat and appliqué work of Pipili are celebrated crafts, and Durga Puja and the Rath Yatra are the biggest festivals.