Odisha Dashami Puja
The Dashami is also known as Dashaharaor Vijaya Dashami which are derived from the Sanskrit. The term Dashahara is a combined word – dasha means “ten” referring to Rabana who has ten heads and hara means his “defeat”. Thus, Dashahara means defeat of Rabana. Vijayadashami is also compound word. Vijay means victory and dashami is the tenth day. Since Lord Rama was victorious in his battle with Rabana on this auspicious day.In the eastern and northeastern parts of the country, the festival commemorates Maa Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. While in north and central India, it signifies the victory of Lord Rama over Rabana.
On conclusion of bisarjana puja, the idols are taken for immersion in nearby rivers or water bodies which in local dialect is known as Bhasani Jatra. Bhasani Jatra is a colourful event. The procession is accompanied with sounding of drums, pipe instruments and fanfare by people accompanying in numbers.
Samagri ( List/Items)
Fresh mango leaves
Fresh mango leaves
Fresh mango leaves
Fresh mango leaves
Fresh mango leaves
Fresh mango leaves
Fresh mango leaves
Fresh mango leaves
Fresh mango leaves
How We Celebrate
Mahasaptami
Mahashtami is the most important day out of the five days. The rituals on mahashtami are more elaborate than the mahasaptami. The day begins with Chandi Patha. The surroundings reverberate with the sounds from dhaka, ghanta, sankha etc. and the smokes from the homa and dhupas envelope the atmosphere.
Dashami
Dashami marks the end of Durga puja. On this day, the Goddess goes back to Her Husband’s home after spending three days in Her parent’s home. After dashami and aparajita puja, the priest performs the bisarjana thus marking the end of the festival and bidding farewell to the Goddess.
Mahanavami
Mahanavami is the third and final day of Durga Puja which is starts after sandhi puja. The Goddess is worshipped as Mahishasuramardini. The usual homa and puja are performed.One of the spectacular scenes during the pujas is the morning and evening aaratis on all the three days.
Nabaratri
The nine days of Nabaratri are classified as per the three basic qualities of tamas, rajas and sattva. The first three days are tamas, where the Goddess is fierce, like Durga and Kali. The next three days are Lakshmi related – gentle but materially oriented Goddesses.