‘Baramasa Tera Parba’ – This popular Odia saying rightly conveys how deeply the culture of festivals and celebrations is ingrained in the Odia spirit. Among the various fairs and festivals of Odisha, one of the most important festivals is Kumar Purnima or Sharad Purnima which kick starts the grand 11-day celebration of Gajalaxmi Puja in various districts of Odisha. The two occasions are celebrated with much pomp and fervour by Odias across the globe.
Why is Kumar Purnima celebrated?
This autumn festival is celebrated by maidens who pray and perform several traditional rituals aspiring for a perfect life partner and suitable groom like Kumar or Kartikeya (the handsome son of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati). Lord Kartikeya was born on this day and he is known as God of War as he is believed to garner supreme knowledge on wars and strategies and is the most eligible bachelor in the kingdom of Gods.
This festival falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashwina, between October-November and marks the end of monsoon. This year, Kumar Purnima celebration will start on 20th October.
Rituals of Kumar Purnima
Rituals of Kumar Purnima include the worshipping of the Sun and the Moon. The early morning festivity starts with girls getting ready, wearing new garments and making offerings to the Sun God. After a whole day of fasting, special delicacies are prepared for offering to the freshly risen Moon. ‘Chanda Chakata’ is a famous dish prepared by a mixture of khai, ghee, jaggery, banana, coconut, ginger, sugarcane, cucumber, honey and milk. It is then placed on a kula in the shape of the crescent moon, worshipped and served to everyone after the rituals.
Gajalaxmi Puja Begins
The festival celebrating the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, Gajalaxmi Puja begins on the day of Kumar Purnima and is celebrated with high zest in Odisha, especially in the Dhenkanal district. Dating back to 1923, the first Laxmi Puja in Dhenkanal was organised at Kunja Sahu Chowk, which is now called Ganesh Bazaar.
Riveting Celebrations
During the 11 days of Gajalaxmi Puja, the state is adorned with colourful lighting and archways. The dazzling decoration, array of food stalls, markets, soulful music and dance programmes showcases the cultural richness of Odisha and enraptures the masses.
During Kartik Purnima, various cultural shows including Odissi recitals, vibrant dance performances on popular folk songs, Sambalpuri ‘Dalkhai’ dance and tales of the festival are staged. Puchi Khela is one of the legendary games played by girls on Kumar Purnima and Gajalaxmi Puja. It is played in a squatting position where one’s weight is shifted and balanced from one leg to another rapidly. Other traditional games such as ‘Bohu-Bohuka’, ‘Bisa-Amruta’, etc. are also played to celebrate the occasion.
Gajalaxmi Puja comes to an end with with display of fireworks, blowing of conch,beating of drums and reciting devotional songs on the Bisarjan or immersion day.Devotees carry the Goddess Laxmi idols to a river and immerse them,symbolic of her return to the heavenly cosmos.
COVID-19 Restrictions for Safety
The second wave of the coronavirus pandemic has been tough and challenging. It only makes sense to keep our celebrations restricted to prevent any more devastations. Hence, several protocols have been laid down to keep the celebrations safe.
In Kendrapara, for example, the number of people in a pandal has been limited to seven persons only. Social gatherings and public participation have also been curbed. Respecting this decision, let us make efforts to celebrate the festivals following the protocol. This Kartik Purnima and Gajalaxmi Puja, let us pray together for a healthy, wealthy and happy world.
Please give us your valuable feedback on the festival in the comments section below.
‘Baramasa Tera Parba’ – This popular Odia saying rightly conveys how deeply the culture of festivals and celebrations is ingrained in the Odia spirit. Among the various fairs and festivals of Odisha, one of the most important festivals is Kumar Purnima or Sharad Purnima which kick starts the grand 11-day celebration of Gajalaxmi Puja in various districts of Odisha. The two occasions are celebrated with much pomp and fervour by Odias across the globe.
Why is Kumar Purnima celebrated?
This autumn festival is celebrated by maidens who pray and perform several traditional rituals aspiring for a perfect life partner and suitable groom like Kumar or Kartikeya (the handsome son of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati). Lord Kartikeya was born on this day and he is known as God of War as he is believed to garner supreme knowledge on wars and strategies and is the most eligible bachelor in the kingdom of Gods.
This festival falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashwina, between October-November and marks the end of monsoon. This year, Kumar Purnima celebration will start on 20th October.
Rituals of Kumar Purnima
Rituals of Kumar Purnima include the worshipping of the Sun and the Moon. The early morning festivity starts with girls getting ready, wearing new garments and making offerings to the Sun God. After a whole day of fasting, special delicacies are prepared for offering to the freshly risen Moon. ‘Chanda Chakata’ is a famous dish prepared by a mixture of khai, ghee, jaggery, banana, coconut, ginger, sugarcane, cucumber, honey and milk. It is then placed on a kula in the shape of the crescent moon, worshipped and served to everyone after the rituals.
Gajalaxmi Puja Begins
The festival celebrating the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, Gajalaxmi Puja begins on the day of Kumar Purnima and is celebrated with high zest in Odisha, especially in the Dhenkanal district. Dating back to 1923, the first Laxmi Puja in Dhenkanal was organised at Kunja Sahu Chowk, which is now called Ganesh Bazaar.
Riveting Celebrations
During the 11 days of Gajalaxmi Puja, the state is adorned with colourful lighting and archways. The dazzling decoration, array of food stalls, markets, soulful music and dance programmes showcases the cultural richness of Odisha and enraptures the masses.
During Kartik Purnima, various cultural shows including Odissi recitals, vibrant dance performances on popular folk songs, Sambalpuri ‘Dalkhai’ dance and tales of the festival are staged. Puchi Khela is one of the legendary games played by girls on Kumar Purnima and Gajalaxmi Puja. It is played in a squatting position where one’s weight is shifted and balanced from one leg to another rapidly. Other traditional games such as ‘Bohu-Bohuka’, ‘Bisa-Amruta’, etc. are also played to celebrate the occasion.
Gajalaxmi Puja comes to an end with with display of fireworks, blowing of conch,beating of drums and reciting devotional songs on the Bisarjan or immersion day.Devotees carry the Goddess Laxmi idols to a river and immerse them,symbolic of her return to the heavenly cosmos.
COVID-19 Restrictions for Safety
The second wave of the coronavirus pandemic has been tough and challenging. It only makes sense to keep our celebrations restricted to prevent any more devastations. Hence, several protocols have been laid down to keep the celebrations safe.
In Kendrapara, for example, the number of people in a pandal has been limited to seven persons only. Social gatherings and public participation have also been curbed. Respecting this decision, let us make efforts to celebrate the festivals following the protocol. This Kartik Purnima and Gajalaxmi Puja, let us pray together for a healthy, wealthy and happy world.
Please give us your valuable feedback on the festival in the comments section below.
