Ekamra Utsav

Ekamra Utsav is one of the major festival of Bhubaneswar, held to promote the rich cultural heritage of Orissa. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ekamra Utsav which lasts for 10 days is actually a multi disciplinary event comprising of National Handloom Exhibition (consisting of fabrics gathered from the famous textile centers of Orissa), Folk Festival , Food Festival (offering several kinds of cuisine, domestic and international both) and National Handicrafts Exhibition.

National Handloom Exhibition displays various handicrafts and textiles from the famous textile centers of Orissa. Folk Festival hosts regional shows that depicting scenes from Indian epics, like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Food Festival offers different types of cuisines. Another highlights of the festival is the distinctive dance performances like Akhada, Chhau, Danda Nritya, Ghjumura, Ghoda Nach, Paika , Ranpa and Sambalpuri Dance etc.

Ekamra Utsav had derived its name from the word 'Ekamra' meaning 'Mango Tree'. A myth is associated with the initiation of this festival. According to that Lord Shiva went out to search for an isolated place, where he could go and meditate. On the advice of Lord Narada, he went to the Ekamra Kanan (forest) of India and began meditating. Later he got settled at this place as Lord Lingaraj along with His consort, Goddess Parvati. The forest is called Ekamra Kanan (forest), because of its extensive vegetation of mango trees.