Odishas

Odishas refers to the residents of Odisha, a state on the eastern coast of India. The standard demonym for people from the region is Odia; while some English sources use "Odishas," it is less common in formal writing. Odias share a common language, culture, and regional identity rooted in Odisha’s history and traditions.

The Odia language is the official language of the state and is recognized as a classical language of India. It is written in the Odia script and is widely used in education, government, media, and literature. The population of Odisha is diverse, including Hindu and Muslim communities along with numerous tribal and tribal-adjacent groups, reflecting a broad spectrum of cultures within the state. Odisha is characterized by a long coastline, the Eastern Ghats, fertile plains, and rich natural resources.

Historically, the region was home to the ancient Kalinga kingdom. The Kalinga War of 261 BCE influenced Ashoka and left a lasting imprint on regional history. Over the centuries, Odisha was ruled by various dynasties before integration into British India. Since India’s reorganization of states, Odisha has existed as a state with Bhubaneswar as its capital. The state was formerly known as Orissa in English; the spelling was officially changed to Odisha in 2011 to reflect the native name.

Culture and economy. Odia culture includes classical dance form Odissi, distinctive temple architecture (notably Konark and Jagannath temples in Puri), and a tradition of crafts such as Pipli appliqué work and handloom textiles. Prominent festivals include Rath Yatra, Raja, and Nuakhai. The economy blends agriculture, fisheries, mining, manufacturing, and increasing IT and service sectors.

Notable Odias include Fakir Mohan Senapati, a foundational figure in Odia literature, Kelucharan Mohapatra, a renowned Odissi dancer, and contemporary political leaders such as Naveen Patnaik.