Kendrapara is called the 'Tulsi Kshetra' of Orissa. A grand 'car festival' is held here annuaually which draws a large number of crowd.

'Tulasi Kshetra Mahatyam' refers that, Lord Baladev killed the demon Kandarasura ruling at Lalitgiri and married his daughter, Tulsi, for which the place is called 'Tulasi Kshetra'.