Yes, my name is Chinmayee "Panda". Yes, I am from Odisha! Yes, "Panda" is a popular surname here. When I moved to Delhi, I anticipated challenges, but confusing people with my surname? - nope But let's shift gears – today, we're talking about my home state, O.D.I.S.H.A. but basics first, ig? "Odisha" is where I'm from. "Odia" is our language. "Odissi" is our dance form. (I hope now you won't get "confused" anymore.) Now, WHY Odisha is no push-over? 1. we handle cyclones like a pro - best disaster management modules 2. ever heard of Raja Festival? - we celebrate menstruation here 3. our cultural legacy is global - think of Puri and the iconic Rath Yatra festival 4. Quality of life? - THE BEST. real estate prices are shooting for a reason. 5. beaches-mountains-forests: we have it all check out Puri beach, Mahendragiri hills, and Satkosia So, Next time, you think about India, remember ODISHA - we maybe small, but we're definitely... India's Best Kept Secret! PS - Have you ever visited Odisha?
Well said.. I also want to add people here are so humble an outsiders like my family and me were accepted like their own. And I won’t take political side but I want tell you that because of visionary leadership of Mr. Naveen Pattanaik we can tell that Odisha is what it is because of him. And people have the hunger to grow here. And love love the food here not only the known food notable are patrapoda all type of Checha loved it. Jay Jagganatha
And I don’t speak Odissi nor puri is the capital of Odisha 😅
Good one!!!! and just to let all non-Odias know that, Raja is the only festival in the world which celebrates fertility and womanhood. Jay Jagannath.
Wow Chinmayee Panda, I'm truly humbled to see this post resonating with friends around me as they shared this to me today, even when I'm not actively engaged online! To their surprise I know you personally xD. Your kind words, your appreciation for Odisha's culture and heritage truly unique. Indeed, we bow to the rich legacy of Panda in Jagannath Puri and it's not known much to others the sacrifices Panda has taken in the past to show love and care to Mahaprabhu. Thank you for your heartfelt post, and keep posting, celebrating our cultural treasure.
Yes i can totally relate to this been outside odisha almost my whole childhood ...during my schooldays people didn't know where odisha was and what language did we speak even some thought odisha is in south...then i had to explain people that Odisha in the east and we don't speak odissi we speak odia...
Thanks for sharing this, Takes me back to when I learned Odissi dance for 2 years when I was a child. It's such a beautiful and expressive dance form, and it gave me a deep appreciation for Odia culture. <3 Haven't visited Odisha yet, but it's definitely on my list now!
Loved the post! Literally Odisha is the perfect balance between modernity, culture and nature. It is indeed India's best kept secret! A lesser known fact is that we have beaches, lakes, forests, mountains and a place where it snows! All in just one state!
That's a great post Chinmayee. Now that I am in an unknown place , I know how Beautiful our state is and the culture it holds. I take so much pride in telling my colleagues about the food we eat and the festivals we celebrate. I feel very differently about it now and I wouldn't have it otherwise.
Trust me, the best place in India is Odisha ( not being biased).
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7moThis is linkedin not instagram. You should use instagram for this type of content.