Lakhs throng Konark on Samba Dashmi

Konark: People in large number of thronged world famous Sun temple of Konark, in Puri district on Sunday morning to offer prayers to Sun on the occasion of Samba Dashmi.

According to reports, hundreds of people were seen gathering at Chandrabhaga beach, situated near the Sun temple to offer prayer. Entry to the Sun Temple was made free today on the occasion of Samba Dashmi.

A Rath Yatra will also be held and devotees will pull the chariot to mark the occasion.

As per the culture, Samba, son of Lord Krishna, was afflicted by leprosy and was cured by the Sun God Surya after 12 years of penance near Konark. On this day, mothers pray to Surya for the health of their children.

On the day of Samba Dashami, the women in the family wake before sunrise. After bathing they prepare dishes such as Khichdi, Oriya Puli, and Ghadghadia Tarkari (a curry), and offer them to the Sun God at sunrise. Each prepared food item is offered in the name of each family member.

Once the food items have been offered to the Surya, the women prepare a set of cake-like dishes called Pitha, which include Manda Pitha, Kakara Pitha, Arisha Pitha, BiriLaddoo, Makar Chaula,Chhenaguda, Dhanu Muaan, Khiri, Rasagola, Jhilli, Chhenagaja, and Sweet Curd.