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Home , Culture of Odisha, Ratha Yatra, Suna Besha

ISSN 0970-8669 Review

Fairs and Festivals of Lord

Manas Chandra Behera

The study of fairs, festivals and festive dresses are observed by the people with much pomp and (Veshas) of Lord Jagannath at Srikshetra is gaiety. But actually there are much more festivals one of the most interesting chapters, in the history in Odisha which are observed by the people and culture of Lord Jagannath. However, the throughout the year. And a calendar is prepared persistently presume that Mahaprabhu in the beginning of each year, for the systematic Jagannath is the Supreme God in the earth. He celebration of these fairs and festivals. has been rightly regarded as the presiding deity Fairs and festivals constitute an integral or Aradhya Devata as well as the “Lord of the part of any . But Universe” in . so far as the fairs, The is festivals and festive almost synonymous with dresses (veshas) of Lord the cult of Lord Jagannath are concerned, Jagannath. As we all the Hindus are one step know that, Odisha is a ahead of any other sacred land, the land of religious sects. Prof. J.K. Lord Jagannath. This is Samal in his precious a land of fairs and work Comprehensive festivals. History and Culture of Bara Masare Tera Orissa (Vol. 2, Part 14, New Delhi, 1997, P.675) This popular mentions that:- proverb roughly refers “Throughout the history that:- in the 12 months of human culture, certain of the year, there are days or periods of time thirteen festivals which have been set aside for

100 JUNE-JULY - 2019 Odisha Review ISSN 0970-8669 ritual celebrations. Those occasions are the events or Car festival of Lord Jagannath stands as the of agricultural, religious or socio-cultural first and foremost in the ritual celebration of the importance. The days or periods generally Lord of the Universe. originated in religious celebrations, also treated The or Car Festival of Lord as sacred occasions are usually called ‘festivals’ Jagannath is held on the second day of the bright in the traditional sense of the term.” fortnight in the month of Asadha (June-July). The fairs and festivals of Lord Jagannath Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Sudarsana reflect the culture, tradition, history, legends, are brought from the main temple and placed in worship, prayer, processions, dances, songs, the chariots. After chherapahanra ceremony, the eating, drinking, fasting, feeding the poor and other chariots are pulled by hundreds of devotees activities of the traditional characters. Though there coming from all parts of . The spectacular are many more fairs and festivals of the Lord, 51 procession starts from the singhadwara of the festivals seem to be prime and prominent. temple to Gundicha Ghara. After a stay for a PROMINENT FAIRS, FESTIVALS AND period of seven days at Gundicha Ghara the FESTIVE DRESSES (VESHAS) OF LORD deities are carried back to the temple. This return JAGANNATH - PURI car festival is known as Bahuda Jatra. Besides, the world famous Ratha Jatra at Puri, the festival Puri is a city of cultural heritage. The is also observed at other places across the state. cultural heritage of Lord Jagannath comprehends or includes several components viz. Fairs and - It is performed in the month of Festivals, Festive Dresses (Veshas), art, Jyestha (May-June) on Purnina or full moon architecture, sculpture, paintings etc. Out of all day. The images of Jagannath, Balabhadra and these components Subhadra along with the prime and Sudarsana and proximate Fairs and Madanmohan are Festivals of Lord brought in a Jagannath are 51 in procession to Snana number. On the Vedi on the north- contrary, the Festive east corner of the Dresses (Veshas) of outer enclosure of the Lord Jagannath is temple. The deities 20 in number. Here are bathed with one is given an account hundred and eight of the 51 Fairs and pitchers of water festivals and 20 taken from a well Festive Dresses near the northern (Veshas) below:- gateway, which is used only once in the year. Then the deities are dressed as Ganesh and worshipped. Out of all the 51, prime and proximate Snana Yatra is also known as the anniversary of festivals of Lord Jagannath at Puri, the Ratha Jatra the birth of Jagannath.

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Anasara, Maha Anasara or Navakalevara- the Bada Danda or Grand Road to Shri After the ceremonial bath the paint on the Gundicha Mandir where the deities stay for a idols is badly damaged and they are removed to week. The return Car festival or Bahuda Yatra is a side room in the porch where they are concealed performed on Ashada Sukla Dasami i.e., the tenth from public view for a fortnight from Snana day of the bright fortnight. Thousands of pilgrims to Asadha Amabasya which is called from all over India congregate at Puri to see the anasara. During this period the images are grand of Jagannath. renovated. The Daitas attend to the deities, and Hera Panchami- On this day goddess special Anasara Nitis are performed. goes to meet the Lord in Shri Gundicha Ghar Maha Anasara or Navakalebara is fifth day starting from Shri Gundicha Yatra. performed when there are two months of Asadha Gundicha Ghar Navadina Yatra- Several Nitis which usually comes in a cycle of 12-18 years. are performed during the stay of the deities at Nabayauvana and Netrotsava- The deities are . renovated during the period of anasara and then Sayana - On the 11th day of the bright become fit for public view. The festival of the re- fortnight of Asadha, the Sayana Utsava or appearance of Jagannath to His devotees after Sleeping Ceremony is performed. The adhivasa anasara is called Navayauvana which literally Nitis are performed the previous day. At night means fresh youth. There is a great rush of pilgrims the representative images Shrinarayan, Vasudeva on this occasion as they are able to see their Lord and Bhubaneswari representing Jagannath, after fifteen days. On the next day the finishing Balabhadra and Subhadra respectively are touches are given to the eyes of the deities, the brought to the well-decorated sleeping chamber ceremony being called Netrotshava. and placed on the cots. They are invoked with the prayer, ‘O Lord, do please sleep for four months for the welfare of the universe’. Then they are laid on their respective beds. Garuda Sayana Dwadashi- The ceremony is performed on the 12th day of the bright fortnight of Asadha. Karkata or Dakhinayan Yatra- As the sun begins to move to the autumnal equinox a festival called Dakhinayan Yatra is observed. Chitalagi Amabasya- On the new moon day in the month of Shrabana the gold and stone-set Ratha Yatra- The World famous R a t h a Chitas (ornaments for the forehead) removed from Yatra or Shri Gundicha Yatra of Lord Jagannath the deities during Snana Yatra are again put on takes place on Asadha Sukla Dwitiya, i.e., the them. second day of the bright fortnight of the month of Asadha (June-July). The chariots of Jagannath, Jhulana Yatra- It is celebrated in the temple of Balabhadra and Subhadra are dragged along Jagannath usually from the Shrabana Shukla

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Dasami up to Pratipada. Madanmohan, the proxy - It falls on the 8th day of the bright of Jagannath; , and Lakshmi are placed fortnight in the month of Bhadrab. On this day on decorated swings in Jhulan Mandap and Nitis are performed by taking out Shri Sudarsan crowds of pilgrims congregate in the temple to to the four Ashrams. see the festival. Different of Puri also Parsvaparibartana- On Haribasara day or the celebrate this festival with great pomp and 11th day of the bright fortnight in the month of grandeur. Bhadrab, the Parsvaparibartan (turning of sides) Gamha Purnami or Balabhadra Janma- On festival is performed. On this day at evening after the full-moon day in the month of Shrabana, Nitis the usual rituals, the god is requested to change are performed to celebrate the birthday of the side. Balabhadra. The deities wear gold and silken Baman Janma or Sunia- Various Nitis are Rakhis. performed relating to the birth of Baman on the Rahurekha Lagi- Rahurekha (an ornament for 12th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrab. the forehead) are worn by the deities. Ananta Chaturdashi- On the 14th day of the Jamna- It is celebrated in the temple bright fortnignt in the month of Bhadrab the on the 8th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadraba. ceremony is performed in Shri Ananta Basudev On this day, ceremonies relating to the birth of temple. Lord Krishna are performed. On the next day -Govinda - Bhadrab Purnima. Nandotsaba is observed and Nitis are performed Sahasra Kumbha Abhisek- Aswina Krishna indicating the celebrations made by Nanda for Astami, i. e., the 8th day of the dark fortnight) of the birth of his son. Aswina. Abhisek of goddess is done at Krishna Lila- Subsequent to Nandotsaba, Majana Mandap and from this day Shola-Puja various Nitis relating to Krishna Lila like is performed in the temple of Shri Bimala and Banabhoji Besha, Koli Bika, Kaliya Dalana, other goddesses. Pralambasura Badha are performed. Dwitiya Osha- lt is performed by goddess Saptapuri Amabasya- It falls on new moon Lakshmi in her temple. day of Bhadrab. On this day huge quantities of Dasahara- and Bijaya sweets known as Satpuri Tada are offered to celebrations are performed. the deities. Kumar Purnima- On this day the Sevakas - The 4th day of the bright representing Shri Jagannath and Shri Lakshmi fortnight in the month of Bhadrab, Panji Puja is play dice. done in Saraswati temple and various Pujas are Hari Uthapana Ekadashi- On the 11th day of performed in the temple of Ganesh. the bright fortnight in the month of the gods Rekha Panchami or Risi Panchami- It is are awakened from their divine slumber. The observed on the 5th day of the bright fortnight in festival is also called ‘Probadhana Yatra’ or rising the month of Bhadrab. ceremony.

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Garuda Uthapan Dwadashi- It is performed Benta or Sikar- This festival is performed on the 12th day of the bright fortnight of Kartik. on the 1st, 4th, 8th and the 12th day of the Navanna or partaking of new rice- Various bright fortnight of Falguna. On these days the extra Bhogas are offered on this occasion. There image of Dolagobinda is taken to is no fixed day for this festival but it is fixed by the Jagannathaballava which is known as the temple astrologer according to the stars of Shri pleasure garden of Jagannath, and coconuts are Jagannath. struck with arrows by some Sevakas symbolising mrugaya or hunting of the Lord. - On the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Margasira Bandapana is Dola Yatra- It is performed from the 1 0 t h done to the Lords. day of the bright fortnight of Falguna up to the full-moon day. The representative deities of Lord Odhan Sasti- This is the 6th day of the bright Jagannath are taken to the Dola Vedi and various fortnight in the month of Margasira. From this day Nitis are performed. This is also known as ghodalagi begins, i.e. the deities are dressed in Vasantotsab. Fagu or red powder is sprinkled on winter garments. the deities. Bakul Amabasya- Pousa Amabasya. Extra Chaitra Gundicha- A festival is observed on Bhogas including gaintha is offered to the deities. the 6th day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra in Pusyabhiseka- On the full-moon day in the the Sun temple inside the temple enclosure. month of Pousa, a festival called Pusyaviseka is Ashokastami- It is celebrated on the 8th day of performed. During this festival the same Nities the bright fortnight of Chaitra. Shri Bhandar such as Adhivasa, etc., are performed as in Snana Lokanath is taken in a procession to Isaneswar Yatra. Pots filled with perfumed water are taken Mahadev where certain ceremonies are from Bhoga Mandap to the Ratna Vedi. This performed. The deity returns to the temple after Abhiseka is performed for the representative attending to some Nitis at Jagannathaballava. deities like , and Lakshmana for which it is also known as Ramabhiseka. - The festival begins with the celebration of the birth of Shri Rama on the 9th Uttarayan Yatra- It is performed on the day when the Sun moves towards day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra and continues vernal equinox. for some days. Rama Lila is performed in which different sahis or localities in the town participate. Basanta Panchami- Panji Puja is done in the Saraswati temple, and there is some modification Damanaka Chori, Dayanalagi- The festival th in Ghodalagi i. e., in the winter garments worn is celebrated on the 13 and the 14th day of the by the deities. bright fortnight of Chaitra. The deities, Rama and Krishna, are taken in a procession to Purnima- Gaja Uddharana Besha takes Jagannathballava Matha from where a scented place on this day. plant called Dayana is stealthily brought and on Siva-Ratri- Hari Hara Veta takes place at Shri the next day offered to the deities by observing Lokanath temple. elaborate rites.

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Pana Sankranti or Mahabishuba water on four occasions, viz., on the 11th day of Sankranti- Special Nitis are performed in the the dark fortnight, on the new moon day, on the temple on this day. The day marks the beginning 6th and the 11th day of the bright fortnight of the of the Odia new Year. month of Jyestha, when a consecrated cistern in - The festival begins from the temple represents the Narendra tank. Akshaya Trutiya, i. e., the 3rd day of the bright Niladri Mahodaya- The festival is observed fortnight of Baisakh and lasts for forty-two days. on the 8th day of the bright fortnight of It is divided into two periods of 21 days each. Baisakha. One hundred and eight pots of The first period is known as ‘Bahar Chandan’ or consecrated water are offered to the deities and Outer Chandan as during this period the images other nitis are performed. of Rama, Krishna. Madanmohan, Lakshmi and Saraswati are taken outside in procession to Nrusingha Janma- It is celebrated on the 14th Narendra tank where they play in boat and enjoy day of the bright fortnight of Baisakha when the image of Nrusingha is taken in a procession to Jagannathaballava where some nitis are performed and then the deity returns to the temple. Shital-Sasthi- On the 6th day of the bright fortnight of Jyestha. The images of Dolagovinda and Pancha Pandava Siva are taken to various modes of worship. Some other deities the temple of Lakshmi where a ceremony is from other shrines are also taken in the procession. performed. In one boat Madanmohan, Lakshmi and Saraswati are placed and in another are placed Rajendraviseka- The 10th day of the bright and Pancha Sivas. The boats are fortnight of Jyestha. Lord Jagannath has his well decorated. The Devadasis (temple dancers) Avisek and the proposal of his marriage with sing and dance in the boats when the deities enjoy Rukmini is broached. a cruise in the spacious tank. Rukmini Harana-On the 11th day of the bright The second period of 21 days is fortnight of Jyestha Madanmohan, the known as the Bhitara Chandana or Inner representative deity of Jagannath, elopes Rukmini Chandana as during this period the festival takes from the temple of Shri Bimala while she is offering place inside the temple and the deities play in the worship and then the marriage is performed.

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FESTIVE DRESSES OF LORD JAGANNATH AT PURI (BESHAS) Ganesh Besha : On the Snana Purnima day the deities are dressed as Ganesh on the Snana Vedi. This is also called Hati Besha. : The deities are dressed in gold attire in the Car on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Asadha after the return Car Festival is over. Suna Besha is also done on some other occasions. Banabhoji Besha, Kaliyadalana : These Beshas are observed on the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th day Besha, Praambasura Badha of the dark fortnight of Bhadrab respectively. Besha, Krushna Balaram Besha Besha : On the 10th day of the bright fortnight of Aswina. -Damodar Besha : From the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Aswina to the 10th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika. Lakshmi Narayan : These are performed on the 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th and full moon (Thiakia) Besha, day of Kartika respectively. Bankachuda (Baman) Besha, Tribikram(Adakia) Besha, Nrusingha(Dalikia) Besha, Lakshmi Narayan (Raj Rajeswar) Besha. Nagarjuna (Parasuram) : It is celebrated on the 13th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika. Besha. This festive dressing of the Lord is occasionally done. Sadha Besha or Ghodalagi : This Besha is held from Odhana Sasthi to Basant Panchami in the Besha. months of Margasira and Pausa. Jamalagi Besha : From Basanta Panchami to Dola. Padma Besha : On any Saturday or Wednesday between the new moon day of Magha and Basanta Panchami. Gaja-Uddharan Besha : On the full moon day of Magha. Chacheri Besha : From the day of bright fortnight of Phalguna to the full moon day except the 14th day. Chandanlagi Besha : For 42 days starting from the Akshaya Trutiya day i.e., the 3rd day of the bright fortnight of Baisakh.

Manas Chandra Behera, Lecturer in History, Nilamadhaba College, Kantilo, E-mail : [email protected].

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