Odisha is a state in eastern India that is known for its rich and diverse cultural heritage. The state is home to various ethnic groups, religions and languages, which reflect in its vibrant and colorful festivals. Odisha celebrates 13 festivals in 12 months, as the saying goes Bāra Māsare Tera Parba (transl. Thirteen festivals in twelve months). These festivals showcase the faith, devotion, joy and creativity of the people of Odisha.
Some of the major festivals of Odisha are:
Durga Puja: This is one of the most popular and grand festivals of Odisha, celebrated in the month of Ashvin (September-October). It is a 10-day-long festival that honors Goddess Durga, the supreme power of the universe. The festival marks the victory of good over evil, as Durga slayed the demon Mahishasura. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and splendor, with elaborate pandals (temporary shrines) housing huge idols of Durga and her four children - Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha and Kartikeya. The idols are adorned with jewellery, flowers and clothes, and are worshipped with prayers, offerings and music. The festival culminates on Vijayadashami (the tenth day), when the idols are taken out in processions and immersed in water bodies. The Durga Puja of Cuttack is famous for its silver and gold filigree work on the idols and pandals.
Ratha Jatra: This is another significant festival of Odisha, celebrated in the month of Jyeshtha (June-July). It is also known as the chariot festival, as it involves the pulling of huge wooden chariots by devotees. The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (the lord of the universe), his elder brother Balabhadra and his sister Subhadra. The festival commemorates their annual visit to their aunt's temple in Gundicha, about 3 km away from their main temple in Puri. The festival begins on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya (the second bright day of Ashadha month), when the three deities are taken out of their temple in a ritual called Pahandi (procession) and placed on their respective chariots. The chariots are then pulled by thousands of devotees along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) to Gundicha temple. The deities stay there for nine days and then return to their temple on Ashadha Shukla Dashami (the tenth bright day of Ashadha month) in a similar manner. The festival attracts millions of pilgrims from across India and abroad, who consider it a great fortune to see the deities and touch their chariots.
Nuakhai: This is a harvest festival celebrated by the people of western Odisha, especially by the tribal communities. It falls on Bhadraba Shukla Panchami (the fifth bright day of Bhadraba month), which usually coincides with August or September. The festival marks the first eating of new rice from the freshly harvested paddy crop. The festival begins with offering new rice to Goddess Lakshmi or Samaleswari (the presiding deity of Sambalpur) or other local deities. Then the new rice is cooked with milk, sugar and coconut and distributed among family members and friends as prasad (sacred food). The festival is also a time to celebrate life, culture and traditions with music, dance and folk songs.
Chhau Festival: This is a dance festival celebrated by the Bhuiyan tribes of Mayurbhanj district in northern Odisha. It falls in the month of Chaitra (March-April) and lasts for three days. The festival showcases the Chhau dance, which is a traditional form of dance that combines martial arts and folk elements. The dance depicts various themes from Hindu mythology, such as Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas. The dancers wear colorful masks and costumes and perform with vigor and grace. The dance is accompanied by live music played by drums, flutes and cymbals.
Sabitri Brata: This is a fasting day observed by married Hindu women in Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Nepal. It falls on Jyeshtha Amavasya (the
Makar Sankranti: This is a harvest festival celebrated on the 14th or 15th of January every year. It marks the transition of the sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn and the beginning of longer days. The festival is celebrated with various rituals and customs, such as flying kites, taking holy dips in rivers or ponds, lighting bonfires, preparing special dishes like makar chaula (rice with milk, coconut and jaggery) and tila laddu (sesame seeds balls), and worshipping Lord Surya.
Saraswati Puja: This is a festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning, wisdom and arts. It falls on Vasant Panchami (the fifth bright day of Magha month), which usually coincides with January or February. On this day, students and teachers worship Saraswati and seek her blessings for their studies and careers. They also wear yellow clothes, offer yellow flowers and sweets to the goddess, and sing hymns and songs in her praise.
Dola Purnima: This is a festival celebrated on the full moon day of Phalguna month, which usually coincides with February or March. It is also known as Holi or Basantotsav. It is a festival of colors, joy and love. On this day, people smear each other with colored powder or water, play with water guns or balloons, dance and sing to the tunes of folk songs. They also worship Lord Krishna and Radha by taking their idols in processions called Dola Jatra or Dola Melana. They also offer bhoga (food) to them and distribute it among themselves as prasad.
Chaitra Parba: This is a tribal festival celebrated by various tribes of Odisha in the month of Chaitra (March-April). It is also known as Chaiti Parba or Chaiti Ghoda Parba. It is a festival of dance, music and drama. On this occasion, the tribal people perform various folk dances such as Chhau, Ghumura, Danda Nata, etc. They also enact various mythological stories using wooden horses or puppets called Chaiti Ghoda. They also worship their ancestral spirits and seek their protection and prosperity.
These are some of the major festivals of Odisha that reflect its rich and diverse culture, tradition and spirituality. There are many more festivals that are celebrated by different communities and regions of Odisha with equal fervor and enthusiasm. These festivals not only add color and joy to the lives of the people but also strengthen their bond with each other and with their roots.
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