Know the significance of the holy month of “Kartika”

The month of Kartika is believed to be the holiest of all months in the Hindu lunar calendar. It is known to be the best month of the year to become one with the Supreme Being. It is the sin-destroying month and almost overlaps October and November in the English calendar.

Kartika is the most awaited month of the year, particularly for widows and women of Odisha. Kartika Brata is observed for the whole month and important rituals that are followed include partial fasting and reading the Kartika Mahatmya from Padma Purana. A large number of pilgrims (particularly widows and women) flock Puri to serve Lord Jagannath and observe Kartika Brata.

This month holds a lot of significance for the Odias who observe many traditional festivals and rituals like “Habisha”, “Baluka Puja”, “Panchuka”, “Kartika Purnima” and “Boita Bandano”. According to Odia Hindus, someone who observes Kartika Brata will get happiness in life because it is the favourite month of both Vishnu and Shiva.

Kartika Brata:

Most devotees observing the Brata, take pre-dawn bath and visit Jagannath Temple daily early in the morning during Mangal Arati. During the entire month they take food only once a day in the afternoon, which is known as “Habisa” and the devotees undertaking the Brata are known as “Habisiali”.

In the Habisa food, a certain number of vegetables are prohibited from being used, such as brinjal, sweet potato, different varieties of gourds, a number of pulses and leafy vegetables.

The Panchuka:

The last five days of the Kartika month are considered highly auspicious and are known as “Panchuka”. During these five days, Odia Hindus are prohibited for eating non-veg food. And many people come to Puri to behold Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. During these five days, the three sibling deities and Sudarshan are dressed in five different Beshas (attires) each day.

Kartik Purnima:

The most important day of Kartika is the full moon day or Kartika Purnami as it is referred to by Odias. This day is the day when Sadhabas or merchants of Odisha used to sail to far off lands with goods to do business. Till this day and age, Odias perform the ritual of “Boita Bandana” to celebrate the glorious past of Odisha or Kalinga as it used to be known in the past.

The theme song of the “Boita Bandana” is – “Aka Ma Bai, Pana Gua Thoi, Pana gua tora, Masaka dharama mora” the song of devotion.