Data for Data Repository .docx

Objectives: In this paper, we aim at examining the selected festivals and rituals of Odisha, namely, Raja Parba, Bakula Amavasya, Kartika Purnima, Makar Sankranti, Nuakhai, Khudurukuni Osha and Sudasha Brata. The paper aims at exploring how the celebrations through their reverence and respect for nature embody environmental wisdom and strengthen the connection between man and their natural surroundings.

Methodology: The research examines a few selected rituals and traditions of Odisha viz. Nuakhai, Bakula Amavasya, Kartika Purnima, Makar Sankranti, Khudurukuni Osha, Sudasha Brata and Raja Parba to explore the significance of the festivals in preserving the environment. The information on the origin, practices in the rituals, ways of celebration, significance have been drawn from the experiences of the two authors of the paper who were born and brought up in Odisha. The information was further verified by the elderly people in the authors' families. For further information we have also referred to secondary sources such as articles, research papers, blogs and books. Through the perspectives of the theories of ecocriticism and cultural ecology we have tried to establish how these festivals and rituals are connected with nature.