Odisha Review ISSN 0970-8669 mong many festivals observed inside and Aoutside of the Baladevjew temple, the Rathayatra or the Car Festival of Baladevjew is outstanding and popular not only in Kendrapara but also all over Odisha. It is difficult to ascertain the exact year when this festival was observed in Kendrapara. There is no unanimity about the exact date among various researchers. Probably the Car festival started from 17th century. But this opinion has not been accepted by those critics who opine that at first the God was worshipped in the temple near Jumma Masjid by the side of old bus stand and later on the road of the temple was expanded Car Festival of Sri Baladevjew: A Confluence of Social and Religious Harmony Dr. Balaram Lenka upto Santa Sahi. During that time Sri Gundicha has been made. But the tradition of the car festival temple was situated near the Chhak(square) of of God Baladevjew is very old. It is an Chammar Sahi connected to Santa Sahi. Till outstanding and remarkable function in the today its ruined parts are seen. It is presumed religious history of Odisha. Thousands of people that the chariot was small by that time because of come to this land to see this festival of Baladevjew. the narrow road leading to the Gundicha temple. The Car of Baladevjew at Kendrapara According to them the Car Festival started from popularly known as Bramha Taladhwaja th 13 century during the reign of Anangabhimadev consisting of fourteen wheels and fabrics are in III. seven colours prominent among which are red, After the construction of a wide road and black and yellow. This Car is decorated with Hala the modern temple of Baladevjew at Icchapur, (Plough) & Musala (Club), a bunch of corn, Purna possibly the construction of chariot with modern Kumbha (full pitcher). This represents agriculture style under the supervision of Pankaj Maharana which is the main cause of human prosperity. The JUNE - 2017 141 ISSN 0970-8669 Odisha Review Musala presents warrior’s weapon for defence. Sri Gundicha is observed on the second Now-a-days modern weapons are devised but day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha (June-July) the Musala is old one which was used for in the Baladevjew temple. On that day, the God defending the country. This also represents comes out to meet devotees leaving luxurios nationality. abode. In fact, this day is regarded as a very The Car is decorated with different Gods auspicious day with specific Puja and fasting. The and Goddesses like Prajambari, Harihara, Vairabi, entire day is marked by devotional songs like Tripurai, Laxman, Nrusingha, Vasudeva, Siddhi Bhajana, Janana and Sankirtana. The role of Vinayak, Chamunda, Bhadrakali, Mangala, Bani religion in human life can never be undermined as Mangala, Chakravasulai, Durga, Sesadeva etc. religious beliefs help human beings in overcoming The images of Garuda and Hanumana are found trials & tribulations of life. There are so many on the front side of the hurdles in life. So one chariot. This represents is forced to look for God Baladevjew peace and solace. embraces all Gods and Religion has an Goddesses without important role in any hesitation. Various providing consolation in religious sects like the grief of a human being. Saivas, the Saktas, the The Car Vaishnavas, the festival starts with the Ganapatyas, the traditional ceremony Souryas are mingled known as Pahandivije. here as Baladev is the Amidst variety of presiding deity. God musical Baladev has accomplishments, the three deities come one after assimilated and incorporated in His fold the another to the Taladhwaja Ratha kept at the influences of many religions, creeds and sects and entrance gate. Here is an exception to the car has become a unique God in Hindu religion. As a festival in comparison to the same at Puri. There matter of fact the festival symbolizes “confluence are three separate Rathas like Taladhwaja, of all religious sects in Hinduism”. Darpadalana and Nandighosa for three deities like One of the most important features of the Balabhadra, Subhadra and Jagannath respectively festival is the presence of brothers and sister in at Puri. In Kendrapara there is one chariot only, the Car. The love and affection of the elder that is Taladhwaja where all the three deities are brothers Baladev and Jagannath towards their placed together. At first Sudarsana (the disc) younger sister Subhadra is typically noticed in the comes to the chariot. Then Baladev ascends the Car discarding the claims of their wives (Rebati chariot followed by Subhadra and Jagannath. This & Laxmi) and other family members. Really it is gives a picture of love and bondage between a unique feature which has a great impact on our brother and sister, which is not seen in individual society. chariot. 142 JUNE - 2017 Odisha Review ISSN 0970-8669 The Car festival starts with Chhera- 2) The devotees who visit Puri for Ratha Yatra Pahanra ceremony. Previously, the kings of on Sri Gundicha also pay a visit to Baladevjew Kujanga were performing this work. After some Ratha Yatra at Kendrapara on next day having a years the royal family of Chhedara was in charge gap. of this ceremony. After that, the Zamindars of After Pahandivije, the deities enter the Narendra family were performing this work. At Gundicha Temple where they are worshipped with present, the Gosains (Chief Priest) of the traditional rites and rituals. Here Mahaprasad has Narendra families are performing this ceremony. a great role in reducing casteism in our society. This Chhera-Pahanra ceremony indicates that all Everybody participates in partaking Mahaprasad. are equal before the eyes of God Baladevjew. Social relationship is established with different The man in heighest social order becomes a groups and individuals through Mahaprasad servant of God to sweep the Car before pulling. which is considered more important than anything This system represents social equality. else. After Chhera-Pahanra, pulling of the Car God Baladevjew who reflects the concept starts. The devotees pull the chariot with joy and of unity in diversity invites the devotees to be one jubilation. Here the touchables and untouchables, with Him in his car festival. On that day there is rich and poor, educated and uneducated all get no discrimination between caste and community. together to enjoy the festival. This festival attracts Equality and fraternity are preached. The Car multitude of visitors from various parts of India festival of Baladevjew gives message that each and abroad transcending all barriers of caste, and every one should renounce fundamentalism creed and colour. This represents universal and should feel the ultimate union within one soul- brotherhood. the supreme soul. The Car festival indicates that The pulling of chariot starts on Sri all anger, jealousy, hatred, animosity and Gundicha. On that day the chariot is kept near narrowness of human being are crushed under the Endowment office of Baladevjew which is 100 the wheels of the chariot of Baladev. On the other meters away from the main temple. But the actual hand, His Car festival preaches universal peace, pulling of Car begins on the next day. At Puri the unity and fraternity. pulling of chariots becomes complete on Sri The culture of Baladevjew believes in the Gundicha. Here pulling of Car takes for two days continuity of its tradition with social cohesion and for two reasons. 1) Love and affection of Baladev religious synthesis. The Car festival of Baladevjew at Kendrapara towards Jagannath at Puri is also preaches the message of unity in diversity. reflected here leaving the first day of Ratha Yatra This is why it is quite unique in the religious and to the latter. This indicates Baladev’s sacrifice cultural history of Odisha. towards younger brother Jagannath. Now-a-days love, affection and sacrifice of elder brother towards younger brother is decreasing. The Dr. Balaram Lenka, Principal, Chitrotpala College, Baladev cult will fill up this gap if one follows it. Akhuaodanga, Kendrapara. JUNE - 2017 143.