Odisha is a place where all religions get equal respect and mutual tolerance. There are different religions in Odisha like Hinduism, Islam, Christianism, Buddhism and Jainism. However, in Odisha majority is Hinduism. Although all other religions have their followers, among the states of India, Odisha has perhaps the highest concentration of the Hindus. Odisha is a land of religious tolerance and here the people belonging to different religions and faiths live symmetrically, often within the same village and used to celebrate all the festivals together. In Odisha 13 festivals are celebrated in 12 months. The most admirable thing about Orissa is that, there is unity in diversity. People belonging to different religions and castes live together and there is a feeling of brotherhood amongst them.
Buddhism became popular in Odisha during Bhaumakara rule in Orissa. In Odisha Buddhism became popular after the Kalinga war. After the Kalinga war Ashoka acquired Buddhism. One can see the welfare activities by Ashoka at Dhauli.
During the reign of Kharavela Khandagiri-Udayagiri hills near Bhubaneswar became the great seat of Jainism. Kharavela built 117 caves at Khandagiri-Udayagiri for the habut of Jaina monks.
Saiva people worship Lord Shiva. During the ruling period of Guptas, Saivism occupied a significant place in the religious life of the people of Odisha.
Vaishna people are the devotees of Lord Vishnu. During the ruling period of The Mathar it occupied a significant place in Odisha people.
Hinduism has been called the oldest religion in India. Hinduism includes a diversity of ideas on spirituality and traditions, but has no unquestionable religious authorities, no governing body, no prophet nor any binding holy book. Raja Ram Mohan Ray is known as the father of Hinduism.
Christianity became popular in Odisha during the British rule. Currently the Christianity percentage in Odisha is only 2.4% of the total population.
The Muslim rule in Orissa resulted after the immigration of Muslim rules other places of India. From the very beginning of their rule the rulers tried to build Muslim monuments on the foundation of some Hindu monuments built. Zuma Masjid of Balubazar in Cuttack is regarded as the best of Muslim monuments in Orissa. A number of Muslim mosques were built in such places at Cuttack, Jajpur, Kendrapara and Balasore.