Kumar Purnima is the full-moon day in the month of Aswina.Purnima (September-October). This autumn festival is one of the most popular and important festival of Orissa.
This autumn festival is one of the most popular and important festival of Orissa. Kumar or Kartikeya, the handsome Son of Shiva was born on this day. He also became the God of war. As young girls always wish for a handsome husband, they propitiate Kumara who was most handsome among the Gods. But, peculiarly enough there is no ritual for the God, instead the Sun and the Moon are worshipped. In the early morning the girls after their purificatory bath wear new garments and make food-offerings to the Sun. They observe fasting for the day. In the evening when the moon rises they again make food offerings of a special variety and take it after the rituals are over. It is a festival of rejoicing for the girls. All of them sing and dance. The songs are of special nature. They also play a kind of game known as 'Puchi'. They also indulge in other varieties of country-games. This day is also observed as the birth day of Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Therefore, many people worship the Goddess at their homes and keep themselves awake by playing Pasha (Chess), and other indoor games. Significantly it suggests that those who wish to acquire wealth should always be vigilant at night. It is for this reason the owl, the bird which sleeps in the day and comes out only at night.
It is particularly a festival of kumaris . However it has now evolved into being a festival of kumars as well. The young ones enjoy this festival wearing new dresses. In the evening they worship the full moon in the sky. In the southern parts of Odisha the young and old alike celebrate this festival. It is said that one who does not play this day would be born as a toad in the next birth.
It is a festival of rejoicing for the girls. All of them sing and dance. The songs are of
Special meant for the occasion …..
“Kuaanra Punei Jahna Go Phula Baula Beni,
Kuanri Jhianka Apurva Ananda
Puchi Khelibaku Mana Go Phula Baula beni…”
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