Dola Purnima: Odisha embraces spring in the form of colours, joy, healing & love

Odisha is abuzz with joy today as it celebrates Dola Purnima, a colourful and joyous festival steeped in cultural and spiritual significance. The festival, which begins with Phagu Dashami of the Phalguna month, sees widespread participation across the region.

The colourful festival has its own distinct religious and cultural importance, particularly centered around the worship of Lord Krishna and the playful traditions associated with him. 

Traditional Processions and Festivities: 

Central to the celebrations are the traditional processions and tours through villages with the deities Dol Govinda (revered as the representation of Lord Krishna) and Radha at the forefront. The deities adorned in resplendent attire and portrayed in their celestial splendor on ornately adorned palanquins or vimans, are seated on a swing structure known as a 'Jhulan Mandap'.

Also Read: Holi celebrations in Odisha on March 15: Reasons and everything you should know

The idols are then carried in ornate palanquins through village streets, where devotees offer prayers at various homes. The event culminates at gathering areas known as Dolapadia or Melana Padia, where palanquins from different villages come together in a grand spectacle. The atmosphere throughout the state is suffused with spirituality as communities unite in this cultural observance.

A Time for Joy and Colour:

Adding to the jubilant atmosphere is the colourful game of Abir, where festival-goers revel in the exchange of vibrant hues. The following day, the exuberance continues with Holi, extending the celebration of colour and joy.

According to legends, Lord Krishna celebrated the arrival of spring by playing with colours and engaging in pranks with his friends in the forests of Vrindavan. This led to the custom of playing with colours, which later became an integral part of the Holi festival. In particular, Dol Purnima celebrates Lord Krishna’s playful spirit and his deep love for Radha, his divine consort. 

Dola Purnima Illuminates Srimandir in Puri:

Today, the sacred Dola Purnima festival is underway at the Shree Jagannath Temple, conducted according to longstanding traditions. Dol Yatra, recognised as one of the twelve significant rituals of Lord Jagannath, is being observed with traditional fervour. 

On this auspicious day, Lord Jagannath is magnificently adorned in the Suna Besha, also revered as the Rajadhiraja Besha. In keeping with ancient customs, the mobile idols, alongside Dol Govinda, Bhudevi, and Sridevi, will grace the Dol Mandap—the swing pavilion—amidst vibrant displays of traditional powder colours of abir. Thousands of devotees are expected to descend upon the temple to partake in these vibrant festivities.

The temple authorities have implemented special arrangements to ensure a smooth and orderly viewing experience for all attendees.