Know Odisha’s largest district which is a living museum of culture, nature and heritage

At 10,418 square kilometers, Mayurbhanj is the largest district in Odisha by area. Moreover, it is also a rich and vibrant canvas that blends ecological treasures, cultural depth, and royal legacy.

Nestled in the northern part of the state and bordered by Jharkhand and West Bengal, the district is a treasure trove of tribal heritage, forest wealth, ancient architecture, and living traditions that continue to define Odisha’s identity on both the national and the global stage.

Nature’s Crown: Similipal and Beyond

The district’s ecological significance is best exemplified by Similipal National Park and Tiger Reserve, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve that sprawls across the heart of Mayurbhanj.

Known for its population of Bengal tigers, elephants, and hundreds of bird species, Similipal is also home to rare orchids, sprawling meadows, and thick sal forests. The park features some of India’s most dramatic waterfalls, including Barehipani and Joranda Falls, celebrated for both height and scenic allure.

Outside Similipal, Devkund, Sitakund, and Bhimkund waterfalls draw pilgrims and nature lovers alike. While Devkund is revered for its sacred pond amid forested hills, Sitakund is steeped in mythology, linked to Maa Sita from the Ramayana. Bhimkund’s deep blue waters are equally famous for their spiritual and ecological charm.

Cultural Pulse: Dance, Festivals, and Artistry

Mayurbhanj is the proud birthplace of Mayurbhanj Chhau, a UNESCO-recognised martial dance form known for its high-energy performance and narrative storytelling drawn from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and tribal folklore.

Performed without masks, this version of Chhau is distinct from its Jharkhand and Bengal variants and was even presented before British royalty in 1912 by Maharaja Sriramachandra Bhanjdeo.

The district’s folk traditions extend to Jhumar, a lyrical dance form performed during seasonal festivities and community gatherings. Major local festivals like Chaitra Parva, Makar Parva, and Karama Parva reflect the spiritual and social ethos of the region.

In terms of handicrafts, Mayurbhanj excels in Dokra metal casting, Sabai grass weaving, and stone carving, all rooted in the skill of local tribal artisans who preserve these traditions across generations.

Historic Footprint: Temples, Royalty, and Archaeology

The Kichakeswari Temple in Khiching, the former capital of the Bhanja dynasty, is an architectural marvel built entirely from black granite. Other historical landmarks include the Haribaldev Temple in Baripada and the Haripur Garh ruins, all serving as enduring symbols of Mayurbhanj’s regal past.

Mayurbhanj is also rich in archaeological finds, with discoveries ranging from Stone Age tools to Roman coins and Gupta-period inscriptions. Historic documents like the Bamanghaty Plate of Ranabhanja and Khiching Grant of Mohan Madhababhanja offer crucial insights into Odisha’s early dynasties and governance.

Mayurbhanj’s significance extends into contemporary India through its distinguished daughter, Droupadi Murmu, the 15th President of India and the first tribal woman to hold the country’s highest constitutional office.

Mayurbhanj stands today as a living museum of forested hills and royal temples, warrior dances and sacred ponds, ancient scripts and modern milestones. It is a district where tradition meets biodiversity, and where Odisha’s most enduring legacies continue to thrive, evolve, and inspire.