Young girls of servitor families observe age-old ‘Neta Pila’ ritual in Puri

The pilgrim city of Puri witnessed the age-old tradition of ‘Neta Pila’ also called Neta Panchami on Friday.

Performed by the little daughters of Srimandir sevayat (servitor) families, the young girls adorn special costumes during the last part of the month of Ashwin. It is believed that the solemnisation of such a custom is to get a good husband in the future as well as pray for their respective family’s well-being. They are called ‘Neta Pila’.

It is performed for 21 days beginning from Bhaadraba Purnima. For these 21 days, the girls perform Bali Puja near the Tulasi plant at their homes, in which one betelnut and seven seashells are kept inside a little box and worshipped as Lord Shiva.

The young girls also offer prayers to Lord Shiva at Markandeya Temple early in the morning. They sing hymns and offer fruits like coconut, corn, banana and watermelon to Lord Shiva. They remain on fast for five days during which they eat only fruits.

During the puja the Neta Pila wear various traditional ornaments like Alakaa, Ketakirekhaa, Paanapatra, Raagidi, Purnachandra, Suna Kaakaraa and Phooli on their head. On their ear, they wear Kanafula Pendi, Malakadha, Baauli, Phiriphiraa, and Faasiaa.

Similarly, they wear Notha, Gunaa and Dandi on their noses. And Chaapasari, Sorisiaa Maali, Dhaanuaa Maali, Gini Maali, Dangi Maali, Kurujaataka, Chaapuaani Maali, Mouda Maali around their neck.