Panchuka Brata (The five days Celebration)

For all the five days the women after their purification bath in the early morning draw beautiful flower-designs around the 'Chaura' (a small temple like structure with a 'Tulsi' plant overhead) with colour powder. Fasting for the day is commonly observed. Most of the Shiva temples get crowded with devotees offering prayer to Lord Shiva who is said to have killed the demon 'Tripurasura' on this day. Group singing of 'kirtans' and loud beating of 'Mrudanga' and cymbals con

tinue for the whole day.

Boita Bandana

Another festival that takes place in the “Kartika Purnima” morning is significant to the ancient history of Odisha. This reminds the maritime glory of the State. In olden days the 'Sadhabas' (Sea Traders) used to sail off to distant Islands like Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Ceylon etc. for trade by huge boats (Boita). The women of the community were giving them a hearty see off by saying ‘Aa ka Ma Boi’ which symbolizes three Oriya months i.e. Aswina, Kartika and Margashira. The days are now gone, but the memory is still alive. Now, people float tiny boats made out of cork and coloured paper or bark of the banyan tree remembering the past glory. This is called "Boita Bandana". The “Kartik Brata” is concluded on “Kartik Purnima” day. It is commonly observed that devotees take holy bath in Puri Sea Beach and worship Lord Jagannath on this holy day. This festival is celebrated with lot of respect by each and every individual of Odisha.

Puri Beach Festival (23-27 November)

The annual Puri Beach Festival is one of the most popular cultural festivals in Odisha. It held on a beautiful beach namely Swargadwara at Puri, Odisha. The activities include classical and folk dances of India, handicrafts, fashion shows, rock music, fireworks, and a sand art competition.

It is conducted by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Orissa (HRAO). With events ranging from Fashion shows to rock shows, the Puri Beach festival delights visitors and locals alike. Held on the beautiful beach at Puri, it offers a unique opportunity for visitors to interact with the local populace and enjoy the many splendored charms of Odisha. 

Location : Puri, Odisha,
Date : November 23rd to 27th

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Kartik Purnima - 28th Nov

                                          Kartik Purnima                   

It is an occasion to remember the glorious prosperity of Orissa in the olden days when  the sadhabas (maritime traders) practised maritime trade in far off countries. They were traditionally sailing off into the sea every year on the day of Kartik Purnima while their spouses used to see them off by conducting aarti. As a token remembrance of the past glory, this day Oriya women sail off small toy-like boats in the rivers and perform puja early in the morning.

                              Kartik Purnima or Poornima is a Hindu holy day celebrated on the full moon day or the fifteenth lunar day of Kartik. It is also known as Tripuri poornima and Tripurari Poornima. It is sometimes called Deva-Diwali or Deva-Deppawali - the festival of lights of the gods. The Kartik Purnima festival also coincides with the Sikh festival of Guru Nanak Jayanti.

Tripuri poornima or Tripurari Poornima derives its name from Tripurari - the foe of the demon Tripurasura. Tripurari is an epithet of god Shiva. Shiva in his form as Tripurantaka (Killer of Tripurasura) killed the demon on this day. Tripurasura had conquered the whole world and defeated the gods. He also craeted three cities in space, together called "Tripura". The killing of the demon and destruction of his cities with a single arrow - by Shiva overjoyed the gods and they pronounced the day as a festival of illuminations. This day is also called Dev-Diwali.

Kartik poornima is also the birthday of Matsya, god Vishnu's fish-incarnation (avatar). It is also the birthday of Vrinda, the personification of the Tulsi plant and of Kartikeya, the god of war and son of Shiva. This day also is considered dear to Radha, the lover of Krishna - Vishnu's incarnation. It is believed that Krishna and Radha danced rasa and Krishna worshipped Radha on this day. This day is also dedicated to the pitrs, dead ancestors. 

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Diwali : The Festival Of Lights

D I W A L I

Deepavali also known as “ Depawali, Dipavali, Dewali, Diwali, Divali, Dipotsavi, Dipapratipad “ is the festival of lights.

Diwali is one of the biggest festival of Hindus, celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in India. The festival is celebrated for five continuous days, where the third days is celebrated as the main Diwali festival or 'Festival of lights'. Different colorful varieties of fireworks are always associated with this festival. On this auspicious day, people light up diyas and candles all around their house. They perform Laxmi Puja in the evening and seek divine blessings of Goddess of Wealth. The festival Diwali is never complete without exchange of gifts. People present diwali gifts to all near and dear ones.

The Origin of Diwali :

Historically, the origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, when it was probably an important harvest festival. However, there are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali or 'Deepawali.' Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the dark goddess of strength. Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshiped in most Hindu homes on this day. In Jainism, Deepawali has an added significance to the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of nirvana. Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen yearlong exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers.

Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, from his 14-year-long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas and by bursting firecrackers.
                        The festival starts with Dhanteras on which most Indian business communities begin their financial year. The second day of the festival, Naraka Chaturdasi, marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya, the third day of Diwali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the Bali, and banished him to Patala. It is on the fourth day of Diwali, Kartika Shudda Padyami, that Bali went to patala and took the reins of his new kingdom in there. The fifth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj), and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.

When is Diwali 2012 being celebrated ?

11 November, 2012 - Dhanteras (Dhantheran/Dhantrayodashi/Dhanwantari Triodasi/Yamadeepdaan/Dhan Teyras)
12 November, 2012 - Choti Diwali (Kali Chaudas, Narak Chaturdashi )
13 November, 2012 - Main Deepavali / Baddi Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)
14 November, 2012 - Padwa Puja & Govardhan Puja (Pratipat, Gudi Padwa, Annakoot )
15 November, 2012 - Bhai Duj (Bhhaya Dooj, Bhai Beej, Dvitiya )

Some Diwali Wishes

1)       May this Diwali bring joy, health and wealth to you. May the festival of lights brighten up you and your near and dear ones lives. May the Diwali light show us the way and lead us together on the path of peace harmony WISH U A VERY HAPPY DIWALI  

Maa Lakshmi

2)     May The Millions of Lamps Illuminate Your Life With Endless JOY,LOVE,PROSPERITY,HEALTH,WEALTH AND HAPPINESS.
Wish u and your family a HAPPY DEEPAWALI

3)       With Gleam of Diyas, And the Echo of the Chants, May Happiness and Contentment Fill Your Life ! Wishing you a very happy and Prpsperous Diwali !!!  

4)      May the Divine Light of Diwali Spread into your
Life Peace, Prosperity, Happiness and Good Health.
Happy Deepawali 

Wishing Happy Diwali to everyone! Shubh Diwali!!

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  Wish You  All  A  Happy Diwali