There are various literary maestros from the area like Sarala Das who wrote the Mahabharata, Chandi Purana and Vilanka Ramayana. The other contemporary creators are Arjuna Das who wrote Rama-Bibha, a long poem. Generally, the state used palm-leaf inscriptions to write down the folklores and literary masterpieces, but the first printing press was set up in the early 1800s.
Bodha Dayini the first official Magazine in the Odia language was published from Balasore, a city in the state in 1861. The natives are responsible to develop and extend the cultural, traditional and literature values, to sustain the distinctive features. The first Odia paper, the Utkal Deepika was published under the guidance of Gouri Sankar Ray and Bichitrananda.
The popular folk music of the state are Jogi Gita, Kendara Gita, Dhuduki Badya, Prahallada Nataka, Palla, Sankirtan, Mogal Tamasa, Gitinatya, Kandhei Nacha, Kela Nacha, Ghoda Nacha, Danda Nacha and Daskathia.
The cultural events and entertainment practices are developed in temples, which concludes that the values and traditionality of Indian territory and regional differences are deeply woven, and are practised today.Mahari Dance, Jhumair and Pala are some of the important dance forms of Odisha. The state is rich in terms of drama and cultural education, and also believes in extending them to various locations.
Some good and mouth licking savouries are Chena Poda, Rasgulla (one of the most popular desserts in India, which is believed to have originated in Bengal), rice pudding, kheeri (kheer).
Traditional dressing styles and patterns of the state are Dhoti, Kurta and Gamucha. The natives and the citizens wear them during festivals, religious occasions and namely all important events of life. Women prefer to wear Sari, Sambalpuri Sari, or the Shalwar kameez. Though the western culture is budding in the indigenous locations of the state and their attire is becoming popular.
The five important divisions according to morphological regions are the Coastal Plains, mountains, highlands, plateaus, the uplands and floodplains. The Mahanadi is one of the significant rivers of the state and the nation.