Bhubaneswar, Oct 29: Panchuka, the sacred five-day ritual observed during the final days of the holy month of Kartika, will be marked for only four days this year in Odisha. The ritual, observed in several parts of the country as Bhishma Panchak or Vaka Panham, is known for its strict religious practices and devotion to Lord Krishna.
According to the Padma Purana, devotees who observe the Panchuka rituals for five days are believed to achieve spiritual progress and deepen their devotion to Lord Krishna. Traditionally, the last five days of Kartika are filled with fasting, special offerings to deities, Ganga Snana (ritual bathing), and the recitation of Kartika Mahatmyas.
In Cuttack, the district administration has made extensive arrangements for the celebrations at various Shiva temples, including the popular Dhabaleswar temple situated on the Mahanadi islet. This temple is expected to be the focal point of the celebrations, drawing large numbers of devotees.
During the Panchuka period, many Odia people, who might not have fasted throughout the entire month, opt to observe the fast during these final five days to gain the same spiritual benefits. The ritual also includes adopting a vegetarian diet, where devotees avoid non-vegetarian food.
The daily rituals of Panchuka start early, with devotees waking before sunrise to complete their chores and perform worship. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Narayana are venerated, marking the auspicious occasion. Married women, in particular, offer prayers to Goddess Vrundavati, embodied in the sacred tulsi (basil) plant, seeking the well-being and longevity of their husbands. Women also draw rangolis in front of the basil plant, and the blowing of conch shells and the sound of ‘hulahulis’ create a special ambiance during the celebrations.
Devotees gather in temples to offer 'habisha,' a traditional meal made from specific vegetables, pulses, and leafy greens, but excluding certain vegetables like gourds and brinjal. The observance of Kartika Purnima, the full moon day that marks the end of Panchuka, is a significant cultural event in Odisha, celebrating the state’s maritime history. Locals recreate traditional boat journeys in honor of the Sadhabas-ancient traders-by sailing handmade boats in nearby water bodies, accompanied by folk songs like ‘Aa Ka Ma Boi.’
Panchuka also has special significance at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, where Lord Jagannath and His sibling deities wear different sacred attires during the ritual days. The first day of Panchuka, known as ‘Bada Ekadashi,’ sees Lord Jagannath dressed in the Laxmi Narayan attire. Following the 'Abakasha Niti' (morning rituals), the Holy Trinity will offer darshan to devotees, adorned in special garments made of flowers and other ornaments.
The Kartika Purnima celebrations, particularly the boat festival known as Boita Bandana, are a vibrant reflection of Odisha’s rich maritime heritage, paying tribute to the seafaring traders who once sailed the seas, connecting Odisha to distant lands.
