Bhubaneswar, Mar 25: Odisha is celebrating the ‘Dola Purnima’ which marks the end of six-day swing festival of Radha and Lord Krishna today.
Known by various names such as Dolo Jatra or Dolo Utsav, Dola Purnima is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated across India, including regions like Braj, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, and Bengal.
This festival, dedicated to the divine couple Radha and Krishna, infuses a spiritual essence into its colorful festivities.
Dola Jatra, a six-day festival steeped in tradition, commences on the auspicious Falguna Dasami day. Villagers eagerly wait this festive occasion, which revolves around the revered deity, especially Lord Krishna, whose idol is carried in a beautifully adorned Veemana (palanquin) to every home in the village. While the procession winds its way through the streets, participants and onlookers apply vibrant Abira (dry colors) to each other, adding to the joyous atmosphere.
Leading the procession are village drummers, pipers, and the melodious 'Sankirtana Mandalis' - groups of singers and musicians who fill the air with devotional tunes. At each household, the deity is reverently offered 'Bhog,' symbolizing the community's devotion and gratitude.
The culmination of the festival occurs on its final day, marked by a grand swing-festival for the deities. Veemanas from neighboring villages converge at the revered Melana Padia, where intricately decorated swings are prepared on a raised platform. Against a backdrop of soul-stirring devotional music, the deities are gently swayed, captivating the hearts of devotees.
According to ancient texts, witnessing Lord Krishna's graceful sway in the swing is believed to absolve one of all sins, adding a spiritual dimension to the festivities.
Meanwhile at the Puri Srimandir, the holy trinity of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra grace the Ratna Singhasan bedecked with the golden attire popularly known as ‘Suna Besha’.
Engaging in the vibrant festival of colors with the devotees, the three deities will make a grand entrance in their palanquins, smeared with 'Abira'.
In a delightful display of divine affection, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Narayan will joyously anoint each other with 'Abira' setting the stage for the commencement of Dol Purnima festivities immersed in spiritual fervor.
In Puri, the representatives of the Holy Trinity, Dola Gobinda and Bhu Devi, will circumambulate the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, further sanctifying the sacred atmosphere.
As per tradition, the joyous celebration of Holi will unfold across Odisha on Tuesday, uniting communities in colorful revelry and spiritual observance.