Something to Know Khudurukuni Osha
Khudurukuni also known as Odisha celebrates a wide array of festival through the year, showcasing its rich cultural, religious, traditional and agriculture heritage. We are also know that people of Odisha has celebrates 13 festival in 12th month. One of those festival is khudurukuni Osha which is also known as bhalukuni osha.
In this festival goddess Mangala is worshipped by young girls primarily who seek the safety, prosperity and good health of their brothers.This portrays the sanctity and beauty of the relationship between Brother and sister.
Khudurukuni Osha mainly observed in the coastal district of Odisha during the month of Bhadrab or in between August and September on Sunday after Gamha Purnima.
It also comes with a mythology of Ta’poi, the story of a young woman who faced torture at the hands of her sisters in law when her brothers were away in South Eastern countries for trade. When Ta’poi worships goddes Mangala, it is the divine intervention which sees her misery alleviated.
The Goddes is usually Worshipped in two forms- one on a painting called ‘patti’, while the second is a clay idol, called ‘bhalukuni’. Every place of worship has at least one idol for the rituals. More are added if the girls present an idol for fulfillment of a specific wish( manasika).
The young girls, in groups from a same neighbourhood, gather at a common place, called ‘Pooja kothi’. Modern day celebration of Khudurukuni osha include young girls waking up early in the morning and collecting various type of flowers. Every type of flower is used for this purpose, hibiscus is given prime importance as it is the favourite flower of goddes Mangala.
Then, the girls are gather in the ‘kothi’ and make massive flower garlands, decorate the ‘Kothi’ very beautifully.
After that, they take bath, usually in near by pond or rivers then they pray to the sun by making small mounts called ‘ Baluka’ of clay or sand on the bank of pond or rivers and decorate it with turmeric powder, vermilion, Durba and all type of flower even like vegetable flower.
The girls then prepare for the installation of the Goddes Mangalaand decorated with as many garlands as possible.’ Balabhoga is offered, which includes various fruits.Every girl carries a ‘ brata’ and ‘dubapuda’ with her. After completion of puja and offerings, they tie it on their left arm. After the ‘Balabhoga’ rituals, the girls break their fast with a pure vegetarian diet.
The girls once again assemble together at the kothi’ (prayer room) to worship goddes Mangala.Evening puja of Khudurukuni osha is the most important part of the festival. ‘Khudurukuni brata katha’ is recited which speaks of the heart- breaking tale of Tapoi. The girl offer ‘lia’ with milk or curd, sweetened with sugar.