Phagu Dashami 2024 in Odisha

Phagu Dashami, occurring on the Shukla Paksha Dashami of the Phaluguna month, serves as the precursor to Holi, with the forthcoming festival set to take place on Tuesday, March 19th, 2024, as per the respective regional calendars. Dedicated to Sri Radha and Sri Krishna, Phagu Dashami is an integral part of the Basantotsav (Vasantotsav) spring celebrations, marking the onset of Dol Yatra in Orissa.

This auspicious day not only initiates the festivities of Holi but also signifies the commencement of Dol Purnima, the culmination of the Holi festival.

During Phagu Dashami, celebrants adorn the idols of Sri Radha and Sri Krishna with flowers and place them on swings. Traditional Holi powders like Gulal and Abhir are applied to the idols, symbolizing the joyous spirit of the occasion.

The jubilant celebrations extend for six days, from Dashami to Purnima, encompassing homes, temples, and mandaps. Legend has it that Sri Krishna engaged in playful interactions with the Gopikas from Phagu Dashami to Holi. In honor of this mythological event, processions carrying the divine figures of Thakur Radha and Thakur Krishna traverse through the streets. At each stop, householders offer "Dwari Bhog" to Sri Krishna as a gesture of reverence, often in the form of dakshina.

The festival's essence lies in the belief that the deities, represented by Sri Krishna and Sri Radha, graciously approach their devotees, epitomizing divine love and accessibility beyond the confines of temples.

Phagu Dashami in Odisha

In Odisha, Phagu Dasami holds special significance as it marks the beginning of the vibrant Dol Yatra, also known as Dol Purnima or Dola Purnima festival. Falling on the Shukla Paksha Dashami of the Phaluguna month, this day is dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna and Radha, symbolizing the onset of spring and the triumph of good over evil.

On Phagu Dasami, homes, temples, and streets come alive with colorful decorations and festivities. Idols of Lord Krishna and Radha, often referred to as Thakur Radha and Thakur Krishna, are adorned with flowers and placed on beautifully decorated swings. Traditional Holi powders like Gulal and Abhir are applied to the idols as a part of the celebrations.

The highlight of the day is the procession of the divine couple, Thakur Radha and Thakur Krishna, carried through the streets amidst joyous chants and music. The procession stops at various households, where devotees offer prayers and "Dwari Bhog" to the deities as a mark of devotion and respect.

Throughout the six-day celebration, which extends from Phagu Dasami to Purnima, communities come together to revel in the spirit of love and togetherness. The festival embodies the belief that the divine, represented by Lord Krishna and Radha, transcends the boundaries of temples and reaches out to devotees in their homes, spreading joy and blessings.