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| KUMAR
PURNIMA |
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| Celebrated In
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Dhenkanal, Orissa |
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| Also known as
:
Gaja Lakshmi Puja |
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| Falls on :
Aswina Purnima
(September-October) |
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| Deity :
Lord Kartikeya |
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Time For The Festivity
Kumar Purnima is the full-moon day in the month of
September- October. This autumn festival is one of the most popular and
important festival of Orissa. 'Kumar' or 'Kartikeya', the handsome Son of Shiva
was born on this day. He also became the 'God of war'. As young girls always
wish for a handsome husband, they propitiate Kumar who was most handsome among
the Gods. But, peculiarly enough there is no ritual for the God, instead the
Sun and the Moon are worshipped. |
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Main Ritual
In the early morning the girls after their purificatory
bath wear new garments and make food-offerings to the Sun. They observe fasting
for the day. In the evening when the moon rises they again make food offerings
of a special variety and take it after the rituals are over. |
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| It is a festival of rejoicing for the girls.
All of them sing and dance. The songs are of special nature. They also play a
kind of game known as 'Puchi'. They also indulge in other varieties of
country-games |
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The Gajalaxmi Puja
This day is also observed as the birthday of Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth.
Therefore, many people worship the Goddess at their homes and keep themselves
awake by playing Pasha (Chess), and other indoor games. Significantly it
suggests that those who wish to acquire wealth should always be vigilant at
night. It is for this reason the owl, a bird that sleeps in the day and comes
out only at night. |
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