CULTURE

BACKGROUND :

In its long history, Odisha has had a continuous tradition of dharmic religions especially Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Ashoka's conquest of Kalinga (India) made Buddhism a principal religion in the state which led to establishment of numerous Stupas and buddhist learning centres. During Kharavela's reign Jainism found prominence. However, by middle of 9th century CE there was a revival of Hinduism as attested by numerous temples such as Mukteshwara, Lingaraja, Jagannath and Konark, which were erected starting from the late 7th century CE. Part of the revival in Hinduism was due to Adi Shankaracharya who proclaimed Puri to be one of the four holiest places or Char Dham for Hinduism. Odisha has therefore a syncretic mixture of the three dharmic religions as attested by the fact that the Jagannath Temple in Puri is considered to be holy by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains.

Presently, the majority of people in the state of Odisha are Hindus. As per the census of 2001, Odisha is the third largest Hindu populated state (as a percentage of population) in the country as illustrated in the 2001 census table and in this table. However, while Odisha is predominantly Hindu it is not monolithic. The state also has a Christian and Muslim minority. There is a rich cultural heritage in the state owing to Hindu faith.

Joining OSVSWA Work Camp on the Culture is a great way to give back to the community while learning about the culture, tradition, art and craft, music, cultural festival etc. This is exactly what the gap year travelers joining for organizing festivals / drama / theatres, renovating temples, cleaning of temple premises, teaching arts and languages, teaching western dances and music.

Duration: 2 weeks
Number of volunteers: 12-15
Participation fee: 350 EURO (excluding registration fees)

LANGUAGE:
English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed. Surviving local language will be taught during the camp.

ACCOMMODATION:
Volunteers will be hosted in a local house / community house / volunteer house; sleeping on beds or mattresses in several rooms, shared by 2-4 volunteers each. Volunteers will share the duties of preparing food, cooking meals and cleaning. Please keep in mind that during this work camp, food will be provided by OSVSWA, which also means eating mainly local food, but will be taken care of less spicy.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS:
Free time activities will be organized for OSVSWA volunteers; as day trips and excursions in the area, picnic in forest / tourist places, meeting with government officials to share the experience.

What To Bring
You will need:
• Refillable water bottle
• Funds sufficient to cover recreation, incidentals, souvenirs (a per requirement).
• An open-mind
• A sense of adventure
• A heart of service

What OSVSWA will Provide :
• 24-hour accompaniment by professional, support staff
• Airport pickup/drop off
• All ground transportation
• All lodging
• Two meals per day
• Hand gloves
• Drinking water
• Instruction by licensed medical professionals
• Medications and supplies
• Quality experiential learning
• A meaningful glimpse into another culture
• An unforgettable moments