Odisha, a state in Eastern India, has some unique festivals
like the Kumar Purnima (Kumara Purnima), being celebrated today, on the last day of the Ashwina month.
Kumara- means Youth and Purnima- means full moon night.
Kumara- means Youth and Purnima- means full moon night.
Young
unmarried and newly-wed girls seek the Sun God and Moon God’s blessings. These
days, young men also celebrate the same. In the morning, young girls bathe
& wear new garments and make food-offerings to the Sun God. They observe
fast. They rejoice, sing and dance and play a special kind of game known as Puchi. In the evening, they put Liya (an item like puffed rice/poha) along with cowrie-shells for the Moon God amidst 'hulu-huli' (sounds made/done during auspicious occasions).
My Mom insisted on seeing the Moon God first, as soon as He appeared in the sky on Kumar Purnima! The early birds get His blessings first! Girls offer food
to the Moon God and then have the same after completing the rituals.
The Kumar Purnima prasad is so yummy! This special dish/food- item is
prepared out of Liya, Bananas, cottage cheese
(called Chhena), grated Coconut,
Black Pepper, Honey/Jaggery/Sugar etc and this is offered to the full moon in
the evening. Many pithas (sweet-preparations)
are made at home. Floors of homes are decorated with jhoti (design patterns made from rice-paste).
The full moon (Purnima) also marks the beginning of the 11-day Gajalakshmi Puja that is celebrated across the state. Today is the birthday of Gajalakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth.
The full moon (Purnima) also marks the beginning of the 11-day Gajalakshmi Puja that is celebrated across the state. Today is the birthday of Gajalakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth.
The Kumar Purnima festival observes
the birthday of Lord Kartikeswara, the son of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati.
It is believed that unmarried girls pray and get a handsome and ideal life-partner/husband
like Lord Kartikeya, if they observe the rituals!
Lord Kartikeya is one of the
most handsome Gods in our mythology.
‘Gaja’ means ‘Elephant’ in Odia.
People
worship Gajalakshmi in homes and play card games and dice games in the evening
till late-night, especially in Southern Odisha. Gambling is prevalent.
It is believed
that whoever doesn’t play card-games will be reborn as a monkey in her/his next
birth.
Beautifully
decorated Gajalakshmi Mandaps/Pandals are set up across the state. The festival is very
popular. You must plan to travel to Odisha during this time and see the wonderful Mandaps/Pandals.
I love this special festival that is celebrated in Odisha.
I love this special festival that is celebrated in Odisha.
I am looking forward to playing some card-games today and having lots of yummy prasad on Kumar Purnima!
Linking with-
It Lokhi Pujo in WB. One day and different festivals - that is India! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy celebrations to you Anita.
Yes, Indrani! Aware of the Lokhi Pujo in WB. It's GajaLakshmi Puja in Odisha!
DeleteThanks for the wishes and same to you! Celebration time!
Why newly wed girls do it? Isn't it only for unmarried?
DeleteIn some places and families like mine belong to Southern Odisha, everyone celebrates! irrespective of marital status.
DeleteMarried daughters are either given money to buy new clothes or new clothes by or on behalf of their parents.
My mom has passed away a decade ago, yet till now my Mamu-Maein (her brothers & sisters-in-law) give Saree and money to us in her name. They do that during Sabitri Amabasya as well.
Oh nice post, never known so much about it in details. Do married girls perform all rituals or is it only for the unmarried?
DeleteThank you
There are many festivals celebrated with diff names across India on same day, however I dont find any celebrated on the occasion of birth day of lord Kartikeshwara. Nice post.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it, Paresh.
DeleteThat's the beauty of incredible India!
Yes, though the festival is for Lord Kartikeya's b'day, the Sun and Moon are worshipped!
I have never heard of this!! Makes me proud of our cultural heritage. so varied!
ReplyDeleteYou are very right!
DeleteUnity in Diversity! The amazing cultural heritage of India is spell-binding! I love it too! Proud to be an Indian. :)
interesting share. happy times to you :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Glad you enjoyed it! :)
Deletekast ram masti me karo sab ye parb apni apni basti me
ReplyDeleteNever heard of this. Thanks for sharing :) So much in India to know :)
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful diverse heritage we have
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this post Anita.
ReplyDeleteOur culture, mythological stories are so meaningful as well as interesting. :-)
Lu -Lu sound done in special days in Tamil nadu and Bengal side too.Any way good post.
ReplyDeleteGreat and informative post . This festival is known as Sharad poornima in northern India .
ReplyDeleteIn 365 days a year, more than 365 festivals are observed in all over India. And interestingly people from all religion celebrate together no matter which religion's festival it may be. Such diversity you can only find in India. That's why I'm proud of my country. Festival are the important part of our life. They give us the moments of togetherness and happiness. Apart from our mundane work schedule, we need something that can rejuvenate us. These festivals do this part.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a relevant post. I too love this festival a lot. In fact all festivities 😍.
ReplyDelete