Second Pali Yatra of Chaitra Month
Kakatpur, 25/03/2025 – (Tushar Dixit): Odisha, known as the land of festivals, observes more than thirteen festivals in twelve months. Among its many rituals and fasts, Chaitra Mangala Osha holds special significance. Since this ritual is performed along roadsides or open paths, some refer to it as Bata Mangala Osha. As it is observed during the month of Chaitra, others call it Chaiti Mangala Osha. It is believed that Goddess Durga is traditionally worshipped during the month of Chaitra, though in the Ramayana, Lord Ram offered worship to Goddess Durga unseasonably during the Ashwina month or the autumn season. Hence, the Goddess worshipped in Ashwina is referred to as Sharadiya Devi, while the one worshipped in Chaitra is called Chaiti Devi.
Generally, women observe this ritual seeking the well-being and prosperity of their husbands and families. From Phalguna Purnima to Chaitra Purnima, this fast is observed on five consecutive Tuesdays. A sacred space is prepared on the roadside or path, smeared with cow dung, where a symbolic image of Maa Mangala is created. A pot (kalasa) is placed using banana stems and coconut, decorated with flowers, vermillion, and lamp black, and offerings include rice grains, sacred grass (duba), barakoli leaves, incense, lamps, and turmeric. Various types of flowers and cloth are offered on a sacred plate (arghya thali) to the Goddess.
The ritual offerings include coconut, banana, mango, thorn apple, orange, fig, various sweet fruits, chhena (cottage cheese), cream, yogurt, milk, crystal sugar (nabat), different kinds of pithas (cakes), pana (sweet drink), and Panchamruta. A small clay hearth is made on the ground, and a mixture of banana, nabat, and chhena is cooked with milk as an offering, which is believed to fulfill one’s heartfelt wishes. It is said that childless women who observe this fast with devotion are blessed with children, and the lifespan of their husbands is prolonged, as per religious belief and the words of experienced elders.
Today marks the second Pali Yatra of the Chaitra month. On this occasion, from 2 a.m., special rituals of Maa Mangala were conducted, and the temple premises were opened for devotees to have darshan (viewing). The temple trust made all necessary arrangements for the convenience of devotees. Tahasildar Ankita Anindita and Executive Officer Kailash Chandra Das were present and supervised the proceedings. To protect devotees from the scorching heat, temporary cloth ceilings and fan arrangements were made within the temple premises.
