Festivals of Ganjam District reflect a fine blend of different shades of culture of the district. Almost all the festivals of this district of Orissa are associated with the underlying principle of the anthropomorphizing of the divinity and the ascriptions of human conduct and affection to it. Ganjam District is not only known for its monuments, historical importance, beaches, waterfalls and scenic beauties, but also for its colourful fairs and festivals. It is generally believed that in twelve months of a year there are more or less thirteen festivals, but in actual practice the number is much more. These festivals are broadly divided into two categories, domestic festivals (observed in each household) and public festivals and fairs (where people congregate in large number on any particular auspicious day and celebrate). Various fairs and festivals are celebrated in Ganjam District. The notable ones are mentioned below -
Dola Yatra: Dola popularly knows as Holi, is the most popular and colourful festival of the district, celebrated on Phalgun purnima. Based on the romantic plays of Radha and Krishna, people converge on the streets with their idols on merrily decorated `Vimans` singing devotional songs in their praise and throwing colour powders and water on each others. Dola Yatra is widely celebrated throughout the district with much pomp and enthusiasm.
Tara Tarini Mela: The Tara Tarini Mela of Ganjam District is not only famous in this district but also throughout the state. Tara Tarini Mela is one of the biggest fairs of Orissa, which takes place on every Tuesday in the month of Chaitra (mid March to mid-April) at Tara Tarini pitha, which is located at a distance of 30 Kms from Berhampur. Thousands of devotees come from different parts of the state in order to have darshan of Goddess Tara Tarini and perform their Manasika after fulfillment of their desire. A grand congregation takes place on the third Tuesday of Chaitra month.
Thakurani Yatra: Thakurani Yatra is considered as the most typical and famous amongst all the folk festival celebrated in Ganjam District. Basically, this is the out come of most flourished sakti cult of Orissa in this particular region. Sakti means power, which is expressed through different phenomena. Goddess Sakti in her many aspects represents various phenomena, like for instance, Goddess Saraswati represents learning and wisdom, Goddess Laxmi represents wealth and prosperity, Goddess Durga represents the benevolent aspect, Goddess Kali represents the malevolent aspect and so on. Sakti cult is so popular in Ganjam District. 
That is why the Thakuranis of Ganjam District are so popularly worshiped with devotion and faith. They are four sisters - Thakurani of Berhampur, Khambeswari of Aska, Buirani of Kabnisuryanagar, and Ram Chandi of Purushottampur. The Yatra takes place biyearly at Berhampur and Chatrapur, once in 12 years at Kabisuryanagar and also in other areas of the district. Usually the Thakurani Yatra is observed in the month of May. The priest invites Goddess Thakurani as his daughter, who comes in the form of flower which is placed in a pot and being placed on the head of a woman and then the procession starts in the evening of every day. The procession is accompanied by musical instruments and different kinds of folk dances.
Durga Puja: Durga Puja is celebrated in the month of Ashwin (September/ October) in honour of Goddess Durga. Durga Puja symbolizes the commemoration of good over evil. It is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm throughout the district. Exquisite image of Gods and Goddess, with artistic decorations are worshiped for four days, on the day succeeding `Vijaya Dashami` the last day of Durga puja, the images are immersed in water.
Shivaratri: This is one of the most important festivals. Shivaratri usually falls during the month of February and March. Devotees keep fast and perform Puja throughout the night.
Ratha Yatra: Ratha Yatra known as "Car Festival" is the grandest of all festivals in Orissa. Ratha Yatra in Puri is famous across the world. This festival is also celebrated in different corners of the district with much zeal and dedication. It is the sacred journey of Lord Jagannath with brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra from Jagannath Temple of Puri to another shrine called "Gundicha Mandir" in Puri for nine days in three gorgeously decorated chariots. The car festival is usually held in the month of June/July every year; the return journey is also celebrated on the 9th day in a traditional manner. This is the most important festival of Lord Jagannath at Puri and also one of the biggest festivals of India. The festival is held in different parts of Orissa, wherever there are temples of Lord Jagannath.
Makar Sankranti: Makar Sankranti or Makar Mela is celebrated with enjoyment in mid-January, when the sun enters the orbit of Capricorn. Sun God is worshipped with great zeal and enthusiasm. Sun God returns northward from the tropic of Capricorn towards the equator, as a result day time rises and the night time reduces from Sankranti, so it is also called "Uttaryan Sankranti". Makar Sankranti is observed for a day but the Yatra or the fair lasts for two to three days.
Danda Yatra: Danda Yatra of Ganjam is considered to be the most ancient traditional form of worship. Galleri and Baibelli villages of Ghumsar of Ganjam District are said to have been the original places of "Danda Yatra". It is a ritual performed usually in the month of Chaitra for 13 to 21 days. The participants of Danda Yatra are usually called "Dandua" and the chief as "Pata Dandua" who move from one village to another to perform the same. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali.
Moreover, District cultural festival is organized every year. It includes the traditional folk dances and music of the region. It is followed by exhibitions, competitions, adventure sports, etc. Besides these festivals, there are many other festivals of local importance in which thousands of people participate. In the forest areas there are special festivals of the Adivasis which commence from the spring season.
