Dussehra In Odisha: Interesting Durga Puja Rituals & Celebrations At Various Shakti Pithas You Must Know

The major Hindu festival, Dussehra also known as Vijayadashami, is related to various rituals and legends in Odisha. Odisha, the east-coastal state of India, known for its distinct cultural and social identity, has many ancient traditions that continue to date. 

In this story, let's have a look at interesting Durga Puja rituals at various Shakti Pithas of Odisha. 

Patkhanda Jatra, Bolangir:

Celebrated in the village of Jarasingha, Bolangir, the festival is celebrated to honour the Goddess ‘Patkhanda’. The festival draws devotees from across and outside of Odisha as the deity is known to cure mental diseases and bless the barren women. The deity manifests herself through the body of a local man known as ‘Barua’ and blesses everyone. 

Durga Puja at Boudh:

Goddess Bararaul is worshipped at various Sakta shrines in Boudh, where devotees offer sweet meat, rice, and milk to the deity. They also worship their old war weapons and perform martial arts for the occasion. 

Durga Puja at Cuttack:

With sky-high fervour and enthusiasm, Cuttack becomes a centre of festivity during Dussehra. The Shakti Pithas of Cuttack like Sarala at Jhankada, Cuttack Chandi, Charchika at Banki, and more come to their divine life with masses of devotees flocking to the shrines.

Dussehra at Kalahandi:

In Kalahandi, Dussehra is celebrated with much enthusiasm at Goddess Manikeswari temple at Bhawanipatna, Goddess Lankeswari at Junagarh, and other places from the days of kings. On this day various fairs are held and folk performances such as Ghumura dance and Ramlila are organized for people.

Dussehra at Koraput:

Lasting for about 16 days, Durga Puja in Jeypore, Koraput is celebrated to honour Goddess ‘Kanaka Durga’ or ‘ Golden Durga’. Here, various ceremonies are held during the festival. Tribal people organize their unique ‘Lathi Jatra’ ritual along with Demsa dance in the rhythm of drums.

Dussehra at Sundargarh:

Durga puja commences here with the excitement of fairs and melas where people rejoice and buy many articles from outside traders. They also organize, tribal dance, chhau dance, magic shows, etc.