To Protect from the Winter Chill, Maa Mangala Adorned in “Ghodalagi Besha”

Kakatpur (Tushar Dixit), 18/12 – Deeply connected with the culture of Lord Jagannath, the temple of the presiding deity Maa Mangala in Kakatpur, Puri district, observes thirteen festivals throughout the year, similar to the rituals followed at the Shri Jagannath Temple. Among these rituals, the Ghodalagi Besha is particularly significant.

According to various scriptures, deities too are believed to feel the effects of cold during the winter months. Hence, during this season, Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra at the Jagannath Temple are dressed in khadi cotton woolen attire, which is referred to as Ghodalagi Besha.

From Odan Shasthi in the month of Margasira until Vasant Panchami (Shreepanchami), this special winter attire is adorned. In line with this tradition, the Ghodalagi Besha for Maa Mangala has begun today at her temple.

Priest Prakash Panda performed the ritual dressing of Maa Mangala, covering her entire body with handcrafted woolen fabric, leaving only her face visible for devotees to view. The specially prepared woolen cover is custom-made for the deity. This marks the beginning of the traditional winter attire to shield the goddess from the cold.

Devotees from within the state and beyond visit Maa Mangala’s temple and the sacred town of Puri during this period to seek blessings and earn spiritual merit. Alongside this ritual, other deities within the temple premises—such as Jagannath, Chamunda, Ganesh, Nrusingha, Biranchi Narayan, Yajna Narayan, Kakatei, Grameshwar, and Maa Shyama Kali—are also adorned in Ghodalagi Besha.

According to Tushar Ranjan Dixit, a sevak (servitor) of Maa Mangala, this special attire will continue until the upcoming Shreepanchami.