Overview
The Joranda Festival, also called Joranda Mela or Mahima Mela, is a three-day annual spiritual fair held at Joranda in Dhenkanal, Odisha, on Magha Purnima (January/February), celebrated by the Sadhus of the Mahima Dharma.
Itinerary
Arrive at Bhubaneswar airport, receive assistance, and transfer to the hotel. After lunch, visit the famous temples of Bhubaneswar, including the 7th-century Parasurameswar Temple, 10th-century Mukteswar Temple, 11th-century Rajarani Temple, 11th-century Lingaraja Temple, and Bindusagar Lake. Overnight stay in Bhubaneswar.
After breakfast, drive to Puri en route visiting the 64 Yogini Temple, Ashokan Rock Edict in Dhauli, and the heritage village of Raghurajpur, famous for palm leaf engravings and Pattachitra paintings. In the late afternoon, visit the market near Jagannatha Temple and witness the flag-changing ceremony of Jagannatha Temple (Non-Hindus are not permitted inside the temple). Overnight stay at a hotel in Puri
After breakfast, drive to Dhenkanal, en route visiting Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, take a walk to visit the fishermen’s village, then continue the drive to Dhenkanal. Overnight stay at a hotel in Dhenkanal.
After breakfast, visit Sadeibaruni village to witness the lost-wax process. Post lunch, proceed to Joranda to observe the rituals and festivities of the saints of the Mahima cult. Overnight stay at Dhenkanal.
After breakfast drive to Phulbani, on the way visiting the textile villages of Nuapatna and Maniabandh famous for Ikat (tie & dye) system of weaving. Overnight in Phulbani.
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After breakfast drive to Barkhamba area to have a short trekking to visit Tattoo faced Kutia Kondh Tribe. Have lunch in their village and later drive to Rayagada. Overnight in Rayagada.
After breakfast drive to Onukudeli Market to see one of the most primitive tribe of the world, The Bondas & Gadabas. Overnight at Hotel .( Must be on Thursday)
After breakfast transfer from hotel to Vizag through Kunduli Tribal market of Paraja & Mali tribal people. Arrive Vizag by late afternoon to catch your evening flight for onward journey. ( Must be on Friday)
