Calcutta, the capital city of West Bengal, has Bihar and Orissa as its immediate neighbours. Innumerable Oriyas migrate to Calcutta everyday. They are not mere tourists coming on a pleasure-trip to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city of joy. They come here in search of jobs. Several important government offices as well as umpteen private enterprises, big and small, are found in the city and its adjacent areas. Many factories, mines and industrial belts have grown in the aforesaid areas, which offers job opportunities to the denizens of Calcutta as well as the immigrants who come here for earning their livelihood. Besides, Calcutta has always been regarded as the pioneer in education, art and culture etc. which impels the Oriyas to flock here.

Another factor, which contributes to the large-scale immigration, is the easy access of Oriyas to Calcutta. Orissa is connected to this metropolis by roads, railways and even airways. Gradually, these people from outside, identify themselves with the Calcuttans and fall in love with this city of dreams. They get domiciled here, get admitted in educational institutions, take up jobs thereby being a part and parcel of the metropolis.

The Oriyas are basically religious minded people. They are honest, sincere and peace-loving and prefer to live far away from the din and bustle. They love fun and have a good sense of humour. Several Oriyas are employed in Calcutta as priests. Again, the Oriyas are believed to be quite adept in the art of cooking. As such, several of them are also employed as chefs in hotels and restaurants and also as domestic cooks.