Today, I dragged my husband to an Orissa arts and crafts exhibition in Mumbai. I figured that since he’s yet to take me to Orissa, the least he could do was accompany me to the exhibition!
I was particularly keen to go because there are a lot of talented artisans in Orissa. The state is known for producing some really attractive handicrafts and other items, such as silver jewellery. Plus, I wanted to find out more about Orissa.
I bought a beautiful deep blue and maroon cotton sari with traditional design (can’t wait to surprise my mother-in-law), as well as a wall hanging featuring Lord Jagannath the same as the colourful ones in the photo.
Lately, I’ve become quite fond of the trippy looking Lord Jagannath, a highly revered reincarnation of Lord Krishna in Orissa. Armless and legless, but with huge round eyes, he was carved out of wood by a carpenter after the Lord came to the King in a dream and instructed him to get the idol made. Apparently, if anyone saw the idol before it was finished, the work would not progress any further. The King became impatient and took a peek. Hence, the idol not having arms and legs!
© 2010, Diary of a White Indian Housewife. All rights reserved. Do not copy and reproduce text or images without permission.
Related Posts You May Like:
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH 1500+ TRAVEL PARTNERS, 100% CUSTOMISED
when I lived in Hawaii we had tons of house lizards. I let 3 chameleons free range. I would get tons of... } – 
} – 
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
Well I have learned something that I have always wondered about Lord Jagannath why he had no arms or legs now I know and how interesting I quite like it because he and it’s different! YAY Thank you for Sharing this with us Sharell I do love the photo I want that lamp cover it rocks! How did the husband like it? Hope he had great time just like you did,oh and the sari that is cool hope we get to see photos because it just sound like it’s beautiful all though I find sari’s to be beautiful and they look comfy to wear.
Very interesting bit on Lord Jagannath. Craft exhibitions in India are beautiful
You mean Lord Juggernaut!!!
The more I get to know you, the more I realize how cute you are, Sharell!
Loved your sweet curiosity about Orrisa and the local crafts. I am sure your MIL would be very pleasantly surprised. Post some pics when you do wear that Sari.
Woow! Its beautiful Sharell..Please put in the Sari pic too if possible..Cant wait to see it
Awww, thanks Naina. **blushes**. And everyone else for your kind comments. Hopefully, I’ll have a sari pic for you all next weekend. My in-laws are planning on visiting us. I’m going to cook lunch for them all, and wear the sari!
Sharell, our true Desi Girl
great to get some information on Lord Jagganath. I’ll bet the sari is gorgeous ! I was bought one as part of my wedding trousseau and I love it. Looking forward to seeing a photo of you in a sari. Keep writing, your blog is so interesting
Thanks so much Tina!
Oh, just remembered it’s a special day for Lord Jagganath tomorrow. Rath Yatra is happening in Puri.
http://goindia.about.com/od/festivalinformation/p/rath-yatra.htm
http://www.hindu-blog.com/2007/04/about-puri-jagannath-ratha-yatra.html
Sharell !!! do any of ur cousins also willing to settle in India.???
What direction is that question headed in Mohit?
Hi Sharell,
My husband is also from Orissa. I’m from Turkey and we live in US. I love your blog. It’s just a lot of fun reading about India from your perspective . I also have wonderful in-laws I’m so great full for. Unfortunately they live in New Delhi and we don’t get to see them as often as we’d like. Great info on Orissa this week. I was always curious of those designs. Thank you for sharing…
Lara
Orissa is an amazing place. Have been to Puri twice with Parents when I was a kid. Amazing divine experience at the Temple. Konark, Nandan Kanan, Puri Beaches, Battle Field of Kalinga, Buddhist Monstaries. What an amazing experience. Amazing culture to be experienced. India is rich.
Sharell, Where is this exhibition? Is it still On ?? I love visiting these craft exhibitions.
Hi Anitha, so sorry, it finished on Sunday (the day I went).
I thought it was going to run for longer but then saw the dates, and had to hurry there. It was held at a hall in Chembur East. Next time any exhibitions come up, I’ll mention them!
Sharell, you are just amazing! Finally, I know why Lord Jagannath does not have arms and legs.Please do go to Orissa and share the experience with us.
i think you could go to puri sometime
i have heard that place is good.. its like goa, but PG version… sort of…
Our neighbours growing up were from Orissa and I love their weaves. Their ikat woven saris are beautiful. Ikat is suddenly fashionable in the US now and I’m always reminded of those saris.
Hi Sharell,
Liked your blog. I had a chance to stay for two years in Orissa (Odisha) during my MBA course. Odisha is a heaven for art and nature lovers. If you ever visit Odisha, and happen to visit the Puri temple (which in all probablility you will) do plan out a trip the the village of Raghurajpur near Puri. It is the cultural mecca of Odisha with a heritage artisan village. The entire population of the village of Raghurajpur is involved in Oriya handicraft of miniature painting called Pattachitra and also Palm leaf engravings.
Hi Sudeep, thanks so much for the tip! I definitely will do that. 8) I’ll recommend it to others as well.
Orissa is beautiful in some ways. I love its forests, and art. Sambalpur silk saris are truly beautiful. In fact a Bengali writer, hunter, Budhadeb Ghuha has written several beautiful novels romanticizing his perception of Orissa. I have been to Orissa many times as my brother is an IAS in Orissa cadre. He had been the chief of staff of the Governor there.
It’s people are poor, politically manipulatable easily doing stupid things like burning down churches etc. I find people in Orissa are very polite but some behind the polite facade are kind of sly.
I happenned to visit Puri for the Rath Yatra this year and wrote about the event on my blog. Just in case you are interested, here is the link to the article -
GupShup Lounge: The Juggernaut rolled and how?
I hope this link works.
BTW your blog makes a compelling and interesting reading. Keep it up.
Kaps
Thanks so much for sharing, Kaps. 8) I can’t wait for the next installment. It’s a really fascinating account of the big day!
Sharell, thanks. Sorry my mistake – next installment is on the same blogsite, very next article. Here is the link -
GupShup Lounge: Juggernaut Rolled and How (Part 2)
Kaps
The crowds are astonishing! How did you manage to get such a good position?
Very first para of part-1 of my article says it all and I reproduce the same here -
“My current job has some invisible perks and privileges. One of these is access to people and places a normal citizen normally cannot have.
I had the privilege of witnessing this year’s annual car festival of Lord Jaggannath at Puri from close quarters, very-very close quarters, and from a vantage point.”
Hope that explains it.
That just makes it all the more mysterious!
Ur blog is really intresting to read and it feels nice that u all liked orissa and r longing to visit too… well i am chanchal and i am from puri-orissa… presently in chembur- mumbai….after coming to mumbai i could realise how beautiful and serene is my puri…. calm… and offcourse talented…. well if u are looking to visit puri then i would love to help u… as we have a hotel there…. and if u r looking for handlooms and painitings from raghurajpur then i u dont need to go to puri… as i have it in my place in chembur…. sharell ur blogs r really amazing , would love to meet u…
Hi Sharell. I’m happy that you liked the Odisha crafts and Lord Jagannath. Hope you visit there soon. We are trying to improve the tourist footfalls in Orissa by promoting it on our site http://www.visitmyodisha.com hope you will like this too and suggest how we can improve it.
As per our discussions with tourist many want to buy crafts of Odisha. So we have a new ecommerce site http://crafts-odisha.com since 2010 January. Hope you can find some beautiful crafts for you. Here I’m giving you a coupon code (SHARELL) specially for you and your friends with a 10% discount price. Hope you will like it.
Thank you so much. The website looks great. I would love one of those huge Ganesh sculptures. 8) I’ll have to save up my money!
Thanks that you liked it. Hope you will soon get one for you. By the way I read your article about RangDe. It’s really nice to see people trying to improve entrepreneurship in India. I always try to help those who want to help themselves and I do feel if each one will be self sustained then Odisha will gain its glory soon. I’m seeing whom can I help.
Thanks! You are helping some of them.
Pl visit my FB page for more on Odisha handicrafts http://www.facebook.com/odissycrafts
Beautiful art works and many unique home decor products available at wholesale prices. mail me your requiqements for home delivery.
I liked your blog. We are developing a arts and crafts e-commerce platform (perfectbazaar.com) where artists can sell their work.
thanks
Deepak
deepak223@gmail.com
The craft’s you have added here it’s looking so attractive, cultural things always gives a unique view. I want to say thanks for sharing this great post.