Bhubaneswar:
Winter has tightened its hold across Odisha, bringing dense fog, a noticeable dip in temperatures, and a significant rise in tourist inflow across major destinations. Most districts recorded cooler mornings this week, with interior regions experiencing the coldest nights of the season so far, marking a clear shift into the peak winter phase.
According to early meteorological observations, minimum temperatures across coastal districts like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, and Balasore ranged between 13°C and 18°C. In contrast, interior belts including Kandhamal, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh dipped below 10°C, with certain pockets approaching single digits.
The dense fog has reduced visibility along key stretches of National Highways and major city roads during the early morning hours, causing slow-moving traffic and minor disruptions to transport services. Despite the inconvenience, the fog has also added a scenic touch to early winter mornings, drawing photographers and nature lovers outdoors.
The winter season continues to provide a major boost to Odisha’s tourism sector. Popular destinations such as Chilika Lake, Daringbadi, Konark, Puri, and Bhitarkanika are witnessing a steady rise in footfall from domestic and international travellers.
At Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, wildlife authorities report the arrival of over a million migratory birds at Mangalajodi and Satapada. Species such as flamingos, gulls, herons, and egrets have transformed the wetlands into a vibrant birding paradise, making it one of the most visited winter attractions in eastern India.
Meanwhile, Daringbadi, often referred to as the ‘Kashmir of Odisha’, is drawing travellers with its pine forests, coffee gardens, mist-covered valleys, and cold winds. The hill station recorded some of the lowest temperatures in the state, adding to its appeal among winter tourists.
Hotels, homestays, and eco-resorts across these regions have reported a notable increase in bookings. Tourism officials expect the numbers to rise further during Christmas and New Year holidays, traditionally the busiest tourism period for Odisha.
Winter is also the most active period for Odisha’s festivals and cultural events. The Konark Dance Festival, hosted annually beside the UNESCO World Heritage Sun Temple, has attracted thousands of enthusiasts. Classical dance forms including Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Mohiniyattam, and Kuchipudi are being showcased on the grand open-air stage, illuminated beautifully against the stone backdrop.
In Western Odisha, Dhanu Jatra, the world’s largest open-air theatre festival, has begun its elaborate re-enactments of mythological episodes. For nearly two weeks, the entire town of Bargarh transforms into a vibrant theatrical arena, drawing visitors, artists, and cultural researchers from across India.
Tribal-dominated regions like Koraput, Mayurbhanj, and Rayagada are also preparing for winter fairs, Chhau dance programmes, and weekly markets that display indigenous crafts, jewellery, music, and cuisine. These events not only preserve cultural identity but also support local livelihoods.
Vegetable markets across the state are thriving with fresh seasonal produce as farmers from Sambalpur, Bargarh, Ganjam, Nayagarh, and Balangir bring in abundant supplies of leafy greens, beans, cauliflower, potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes. The availability of winter vegetables has stabilised prices while offering consumers a diverse variety of fresh produce.
In households, traditional winter delicacies such as monda pitha, kakara pitha, arisa pitha, and til-laddus have made a return. These warm, energy-rich foods are closely associated with the winter season in Odisha.
In rural belts, the age-old custom of gathering around small bonfires—known locally as “munia”—continues every evening, especially in hilly and tribal areas where temperatures fall sharply after sunset.
While coastal regions continue to experience a relatively milder winter due to maritime influence, interior and hilly areas have seen more intense cold spells. Some regions in Kandhamal and Koraput reported minimum temperatures close to 7°C, making them the coldest locations this week.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that the chill is likely to intensify over the coming days with the inflow of dry northwesterly winds. A shift in wind patterns may bring additional cold waves across interior districts.
Environmental experts have cautioned that Odisha’s winters have gradually become shorter and warmer over the last decade. Rapid urbanisation, shrinking green cover, and global climate shifts are cited as key factors behind this trend. Cities such as Bhubaneswar and Cuttack have recorded a steady rise in minimum temperatures, indicating a long-term warming pattern.
Despite these concerns, the current winter continues to support agriculture, tourism, cultural events, and overall outdoor activity across the state.
As winter continues to unfold, Odisha remains active with fairs, festivals, birdwatching, and steady tourist movement. From the fog-covered mornings of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to the icy winds of Daringbadi and the colourful wetlands of Chilika, the season adds charm and vibrancy across both urban and rural landscapes.
The coming weeks are expected to bring colder nights, clearer skies, and increased footfall as the state moves further into the heart of the winter season.
