Festival

Boita Bandana & Baliyatra: The Maritime Soul of Odisha: The Chant of “Aa Ka Ma Boi” As the first rays of dawn shimmer over the rivers of Odisha, the air fills with a melodious chant—“Aa Ka Ma Boi… Pana Gua Thoi. Pana Gua Tora. Masaka Dharam Mora”. This age-old hymn, sung during Boita Bandana (Danga Bhasa) on Kartika Purnima, resonates with the rhythm of waves and the pulse of Odia heritage. It's not just a prayer; it's a living echo of a civilisation that once ruled the seas and brought…

Khudurukuni Osha is one of the most heartfelt village rituals of Odisha, observed during the month of Bhadrab (August–September). On every Sunday of this sacred month, young unmarried girls gather near a river or pond after their morning bath, shaping an image of the Goddess Mangala from clay. With songs, rituals, and offerings, they pray for her blessings of protection and well-being while reciting age-old ballads passed down across generations. At the heart of this observance lies the poignant tale of Taapoi, a young girl whose story is a symbol…

Suna Besha (also known as Rajadhiraja Besha or Golden Attire) is one of the most visually stunning and spiritually significant rituals performed in honour of Lord Jagannath in Puri, Odisha. Suna Besha means “Golden Adornment.” It refers to the occasion when Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are decorated with gold ornaments and jewellery. Suna Besha is mainly observed on the day after Bahuda Yatra (the return journey of the Rath Yatra). On Rath Yatra, it takes place on the chariots parked outside the Jagannath Temple at Singhadwara. On other occasions,…

Budhei Osha, popularly known as Budhi Bamana, is a festival celebrated every Wednesday in the month of Bhadrab. Budhibaman is a local god capable of granting eyes to the blind, children to the childless, and curing leprosy and other virulent diseases. Budhei is worshipped every Wednesday of the Bhadrab month. The curry stone, adorned with vermilion, collyrium, and flowers, is offered to God. According to the myth, a wine merchant's wife was cured of leprosy. Five of his sons were killed by a king, and then life was restored for…