Byanjan Dwadashi: Devotees offer over 600 dishes at Puri Mata Matha

The Puri’s Gaurabihar Mata Matha on Tuesday observed the holy Byanjan Dwadashi, a sacred festival celebrated on the twelfth day of the bright fortnight of Margashira. The age-old ritual celebrated on Tuesday traces its roots to the Dwapara Yuga, keeping alive the legends and traditions associated with Lord Krishna.

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Devotees participate with devotion, preparing an array of delicious dishes to offer in honour of the deity.

Historically, Mother Yashoda lovingly prepared a variety of appetising foods for Lord Krishna on this day, a practice that continues to inspire devotees. Gauriya Vaishnavas, in particular, uphold this age-old tradition, presenting diverse delicacies as offerings to the divine.

In tribute to Radha Rani, devotees prepare and dedicate these dishes with utmost devotion and love, following the same sacred custom observed for centuries.

Every year, the temple witnesses the preparation of more than 600 different kinds of dishes, reflecting the community’s dedication to preserving the cultural and spiritual heritage of Byanjan Dwadashi.

The menu features a variety of traditional dishes, including Kanika (sweetened yellow rice), Dahi Anna (curd rice), Ghia Anna (ghee rice), Nadia Anna (coconut rice), Kamala Anna (orange rice), Dalma (vegetables cooked with pulses), Alu Potala Rasa (potato and gourd gravy), Kadali Rasa (plantain gravy), Phula Kobi Rasa (cauliflower gravy), Nadia Chutney (coconut chutney), Kaitha Chutney (wood apple chutney), Chaula Khiri (rice porridge), Chhena Khiri (cottage cheese porridge), and many more.

The preparations are made by using fresh, seasonal produce from the local areas, including vegetables, fruits, roots, nuts, grains, pulses, and leafy greens. Devotees also offer milk, dairy products, molasses, oils, and sugar.

It is believed that the festival dates back to Mahabharata Era. The Vaishnavites, usually, celebrate the festival to perpetuate the memory of an episode as explained in the Mahabharata wherein Yashoda is concerned to find her son Krishna looking pale and weak. She realises that lack of proper nutrition is the reason for his frail constitution. Hence, she prepares several culinary delicacies for the Lord, her son.