Ekamra Utsav is one of the major festival of Bhubaneswar, held
to promote the cultural heritage of Orissa. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ekamra
Utsav which lasts for 10 days is a series of festive occasions holding
National Handloom Exhibition Folk Festival , Food Festival and National
Handicrafts Exhibition. National Handloom Exhibition displays various
handicrafts and textiles from the famous textile centers of Orissa. Folk
Festival hosts puppet 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. It says that,
Lord Shiva who was in search for a secluded place for meditation reach
Ekamra Kanan (forest) on the advice of Narada. The lord then settled down
here as Lord Lingaraj along with his consort, Goddess Parvati. The forest
was called Ekamra Kanan (forest), owing to its extensive vegetation of
mango trees.