Bhubaneswar, Jan 20: Samba Dashami stands out as a distinctive festival in Odisha, commemorated on the 10th day of the Shukla Paksha in the Pausha month according to the Odia calendar.
Primarily observed in the coastal districts of the state, this festival is alternatively referred to as Sambar Dashami or Sataghadi. It holds special significance in Odisha, dedicated to the worship of the Sun God.
Significance:
Samba Dashami is a popular festival in Odisha. It is dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna's son, Samba. According to Hindu mythology, Samba, the son of Lord Krishna and Jambavati, was cured of leprosy by the Sun God on this day.
Date:
Samba Dashami usually falls on the tenth day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the month of Margashira (November-December).
In 20th January 2024:
- Suryodayam Time (Sunrise) - 6:53 AM
- Suryastam Time (Sunset) - 5:49
- Dashami Tithi Upto - 07:26 PM
Rituals and Celebrations:
Special Puja: Devotees observe special puja and rituals on Samba Dashami. They offer prayers to Lord Surya (Sun God) as a part of the belief that it was the Sun God who cured Samba's leprosy.
Ratha Yatra (Chariot Procession): In some places, a miniature chariot with the idols of Samba and his wife is taken out in a procession. The chariot is decorated beautifully, and devotees participate in pulling the chariot.
Devotee Participation: Devotees observe fasts and engage in various religious activities on this day. They seek blessings for the well-being and health of their children.
Bathing Ritual: It is customary for women to take a ritual bath on Samba Dashami day. They offer prayers and seek the well-being of their children, especially sons.
Offerings: Devotees prepare special dishes and offerings, including traditional Odia sweets, and offer them to Lord Krishna and Samba.
Legends Associated With This Day:
According to legend, Samba once suffered from leprosy (or, in other versions, psoriasis). After fervent prayers to Lord Surya, he miraculously recovered. Prior to his healing, Samba endured 12 years of penance, notably at the Sun Temple. In an alternative version, post-recovery, Samba is said to have constructed Sun Temples in Kashmir, Modhera, and Konark. This intriguing observation suggests that Hindus were cognizant of the sun's healing properties millennia ago.
Observance:
Samba Dashami marks the day when Samba was healed. Mothers observe Surya Puja on this day, specifically to appease Surya Bhagawan and safeguard their children. On Samba Dashami, women rise early to prepare traditional meals for the Sun God, including Khichdi, Puri, and Ghadghadia Tarkari (curry). Following the offering of these food items to Surya, women craft a variety of cake-like delicacies known as Pitha, such as Biri Laddoo, Chhenaguda, Makar Chaula, Dhanu Muaan, Chhenagaja, Khiri, Rasagola, Jhilli, and Sweet Curd.
Crucially, each child is infused with betel root, brought to "chaunra mula" -at midday. Every cooked dish is presented on a plate, and the family's women offer their meals to the Sun God, symbolically glimpsed through a bowl of turmeric water. They read the "Samba Dasami Brata Katha" story and offer prayers for the well-being of everyone in the family, with a special focus on the safety of the household's children.