Odisha celebrates Gamha Purnima, Balabhadra Jayanti and Raksha Bandhan

Odisha is celebrating a convergence of three significant festivals: Gamha Purnima, Balabhadra Jayanti, and Raksha Bandhan. The occasion marks the birth anniversary of Lord Balabhadra, the elder brother of Lord Jagannath and the deity of agriculture.

At the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, hereditary Patara Bisoi servitors are preparing massive, sacred ‘Pata Rakhis’ for the divine siblings. These intricate rakhis, measuring approximately two feet in diameter with thread bands spanning 10 to 12 feet, are crafted using traditional techniques involving dyed ‘Basunga’ silk. During the ritual, Goddess Subhadra will tie these rakhis onto the wrists of Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra. The deities will also be adorned with 54 traditional ‘Guamala’ garlands made from areca nuts.

In addition to temple rituals, traditions include the creation of clay idols of Lord Balabhadra near sacred sites like the Markandeshwar Pond for immersion. In rural regions such as Paralakhemundi and Nayagada, the celebrations include ‘Gamha-Diyan’, where young people participate in athletic jumping games over mud platforms.