Bhubaneswar, Oct 15: Diwali, India’s festival of lights, is celebrated in countless ways across the country. In some regions, it’s marked by dazzling fireworks and loud celebrations; in others, it’s a quieter, more introspective occasion. In Odisha, however, the night before Diwali is not defined by explosions in the sky, but by the soft, earthy crackle of burning jute sticks. This is the time for Bada Badua Daka, a unique tradition where families step outside their homes to offer prayers to their ancestors in a sacred ritual that blends devotion with memory.
As the sun sets and darkness envelops the land, families gather on their doorsteps, each clutching a burning Kaunria Kathi, or jute stick. The ritual is steeped in ancient customs, with participants chanting “Badabadua Ho!” a prayer that translates to “Come from the shadows, walk into the light.” The flames of the jute sticks flicker like small torches in the night, bending to the wind and casting an ethereal glow. The smell of burnt jute fills the air, mingling with the scent of devotion, as families send their prayers upward, letting the smoke drift into the night sky.
In Puri, one of Odisha’s most revered cities, this tradition reaches its pinnacle. Just outside the Jagannath Temple, thousands of people gather in solemn silence, their torches raised high. The collective chant echoes in the air, a wave of sound reverberating through the gathering crowd. This moment isn’t for tourists or cameras; it’s a private and spiritual communion, a deep connection with ancestors that transcends the physical world.
The origins of Bada Badua Daka are shrouded in history, with no clear consensus on when the tradition began. Some scholars trace it back to the Bhakti movement and the era of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu five centuries ago, while others believe it originated much earlier, around 350 BC, when the Sadhabas Odia merchants who sailed the seas used the ritual as a way of welcoming their return. Regardless of its exact origins, Bada Badua Daka has remained a steadfast tradition in Odisha, enduring the passage of time and the rush of modern life.
For those participating in the ritual, it’s not simply an act of homage. It’s a reunion with loved ones who have passed. Each flame represents a memory, a name, a face. It’s a moment for the living to reach out to the dead, not in sorrow, but in warmth and connection. In a world that constantly pushes forward, Bada Badua Daka offers a brief respite, a chance to pause and reflect on the bond between generations. It’s a beautiful reminder that light can take many forms not just in the glow of fireworks, but in the quiet radiance of remembrance.
For one night, Odisha does not just celebrate Diwali; it speaks to its ancestors, honoring them with fire, prayer, and love.
