The annual festival of Maa Lobhi Thakurani, the presiding deity of Gadasantri–Tulasipal in Odisha's Angul, commenced on the occasion of Kartika Purnima. 

The five-day-long celebration draws lakhs of devotees who gather to seek blessings and participate in the traditional rituals.

From the Dian Ghara in Tulasipal village, the ‘Alam’ or Chalanti Pratima of Maa Lobhi Thakurani was carried out in a grand procession. Accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of bells, conches, and mridanga beats, the idol was taken ceremoniously to the shrine located at Gadasantri, where special rituals were performed. 

Every year, for the fulfilment of wishes, more than 10,000 children undergo their first head tonsure before the Goddess.

Belief Behind The Festival & More

According to devotees, the shrine’s origin dates back to the period of Lord Rama. One of the devotees said that when Lord Ram took rest, he noticed that Lanka Devi had followed him. When asked why she did so even after Vibhishana became the king, she replied that she no longer wished to stay in Lanka after its downfall and would reside wherever Lord Ram advised her. 

Lord Rama then instructed her to settle at this location, which was earlier known as Badadihi and later divided into Gadasantri and Tulasipal. It is believed that the residents there then received a divine message in their dreams that the Goddess would reside there. Following this, a yagya was conducted, and a woman carrying three pots of water entered the village with the pots floating above her head, leading villagers to believe that she was the Goddess herself.

Rituals And Offerings Continue

As per reports, daily puja rituals of the Goddess are performed, with two major celebrations observed each year, during Nuakhai and the Kartika Purnima festival. In earlier times, men from the villages offered a billy goat after marriage, while women offered a rooster after childbirth. With the end of the Bali Pratha, devotees now offer ghanti, ghanta, tarasa and other symbolic items instead.

Faith And Devotion Among Followers

Devotees believe that worshipping Maa Lobhi Thakurani with sincere devotion brings success and good fortune, fulfilling their wishes. 

Also Read: Odisha youth drowns during Kartika Purnima rituals; family donates his eyes

Another devotee shared, "When a child’s first tonsure is performed before the Goddess, it is believed to ensure great success in the child’s life."