Divine Craftsmanship Honoured as Potters Celebrate Kurala Panchami
Margashira Shukla Panchami marks a spiritually significant day for the Kumbhakara community, known widely as Kurala Panchami. This festival goes beyond simple worship; it serves as a profound tribute to the ancient art of pottery and its mythological origins. In Baudh district, the village of Ghorada recently witnessed grand celebrations organised by the Biramchandrapur Central Kumbhakara Society. The event highlighted the deep cultural bond between the artisans and their divine heritage.
Festivities began early in the morning with a sense of community pride. Villagers and society members gathered for a sacred Kalash procession. They carried holy water from the Mahanadi river to the puja mandap, accompanied by the chanting of hymns. The atmosphere remained charged with devotion through various rituals, including Nam Yajna, Anna Yajna, and Ghrita Yajna. A key highlight was the reading of the Kurala Panchami Purana, which recounts the legendary history of the community.
Devotees offered prayers to Lord Lakshmi Narayana and their clan deities, Ishta Dev Rudrapal and Devi Ratneswari. However, the most unique aspect of this worship involves the tools of the trade. According to mythology, after Lord Vishnu created the universe, he birthed the first potter, or 'Kurala,' from his own sweat to create vessels for food. He then gifted his divine Sudarshan Chakra to serve as the potter's wheel. Consequently, artisans worship the wheel and clay with immense reverence. During this festival, which can last from five to seven days, potters completely abstain from making idols or earthen vessels as a mark of respect.
Leadership for the event was provided by President Pramod Rana and Secretary Purna Chandra Rana. Pratap Rana and his wife, Jayanti Rana, served as the ceremonial hosts, while Dwarika Mishra conducted the priestly duties. The event saw widespread cooperation from local villagers and district functionaries.
This celebration resonates across Odisha, linking back to the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Even in the modern era, the Mahaprasad for Lord Jagannath is cooked exclusively in earthen pots fashioned by these artisans. This enduring tradition underscores the vital role the Kumbhakara community plays in preserving the state's religious and cultural identity.
Mythological Roots: The festival honors the belief that Lord Vishnu created the first potter and gifted the Sudarshan Chakra to be used as the crafting wheel.
Ritual Observance: Celebrations in Ghorada village included a Kalash procession from the Mahanadi river, multiple Yajnas, and the reading of sacred Puranas.
Work Stoppage: As a sign of respect for their craft and tools, artisans abstain from creating pottery or idols for the duration of the festival.
Cultural Connection: The event highlights the community's link to Lord Jagannath, whose temple food is still prepared in traditional clay pots.
