Kumar Purnima: Odisha’s Celebration Of Womanhood

In a year, Odisha celebrates thirteen festivals (baramasa re tera parba). One of the thirteen festivals observed with much fanfare in Odisha is Kumar Purnima.

Between October and November, on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashwina, people celebrate Sharad Purnima, also called Kumar Purnima. This fall celebration is among the most well-known and significant events in Odisha.

On this day, the charming Son of Shiva, Kumar, also known as Kartikeya, was born. He also evolved into the war god. Kumar Purnima signifies the end of the Hindu month of Ashwini and the start of the month of Kartika. Young women participate in ancient ceremonies in which they pray for the ideal life mate, such as Kumar or Kartikeya.

In addition, it’s the start of the statewide 11-day Gajalaxmi Puja.

During this celebration, young girls engage in customary practices and offer prayers for an ideal life companion such as Kumar or Kartikeya, who are regarded as the most attractive deities.

Morning ritual “Anjula Teka”

Before the sun rises, the kumaries get up, take a shower, and get ready for the “Anjula Teka” rite.

The girls, dressed in new attire, give the sun, known as “Anjuli,” a palmful of prasad that includes “Khai,” “Janhi,” (striped gourd), cucumber, banana, coconut, and betel nut.

Evening ritual- Chanda Puja

With the exception of “Chanda chakata,” which is offered to the moon, evening rituals are nearly identical to those conducted in the morning.

The girls hoist the “Chanda chakata” to the moon after waiting for it to rise. It is said that the females will acquire a young, gorgeous spouse if they glimpse a fresh moon and propose “Chanda Chakata.” For the prasad, they utilize talasaja, khai, ukhuda, jaggery, sugarcane, and chena (cottage cheese).

The girls served the prasad to the moon by arranging it on a dish in the shape of a half moon.