Sharadiya Festival: A Sacred Time for Renewed Energy, Devotion at Maa Mangala Shaktipitha with Non-Vegetarian Offerings
Durga Puja, one of the most prominent festivals for Hindus and for the people of Odisha, is celebrated as a time to gain divine strength and blessings. The final day of this festival is known as Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami. It is a celebration of the worship of Goddess Durga and is observed over different durations – sixteen days, nine days (Navaratri), or three days, based on various traditions. While the key rituals are performed from the first day (Pratipada) to ninth day (Navami) of the waxing moon phase in the Ashwin month (autumn), another version is also observed during the Chaitra month as Basanti Navaratri.
Among the famous Shakti Peethas of Odisha, Maa Mangala’s shrine in Kakatpur stands out. Situated beautifully on the serene banks of the Prachi River, the temple witnesses numerous annual religious events and ceremonies. According to tradition, the Sharadiya festival at the temple starts from Mulashtami in the month of Ashwin and continues until Vijaya Dashami.
The rituals begin with Kalasha Puja followed by Sahasrakumbhabhisheka, where the Goddess is bathed with water from 108 sacred pots containing a mix of camphor, sandalwood, turmeric, milk, honey, sugar, and other holy substances. On this special day, the Sahanamela (open darshan) allows devotees a full view of the Goddess during the sacred bath — a rare opportunity.
Daily rituals include Surya Puja, Ballava Niti, morning incense offerings, Sandhya Arati, and Ratri Dhupa, followed by Badasinghara Niti at around 3 AM.
Recitations of Chandi Saptasati and continuous chanting occur throughout the festival. From Mulashtami to Tritiya, rituals like Shodasha Upachara Puja are strictly followed.
A distinctive tradition of this temple is the offering of non-vegetarian bhog to the Goddess. Cooked in the temple kitchen by designated temple cooks, a non-vegetarian dish called Amish Besara is offered to Maa Banadurga (a mobile idol of Maa Mangala). Later, this bhog is distributed to devotees outside the temple premises.
On Chaturthi, the deity is adorned in Kali Besha, featuring a beautifully draped black saree that glows from behind, symbolizing her fierce aspect. On Panchami, she takes the form of Tirakaman (Raghunath Besha), holding bows, arrows, and other weapons. From Panchami to Mahashtami, a unique ritual called Pramani Niti is observed, where the mobile idol of Maa is ceremoniously taken to the Parbana Mandap in a grand palanquin late at night — signifying her journey to vanquish Mahishasura.
On Shashthi, the Goddess appears in Katikharpara Besha (armed with sword, spear, and blood-collecting vessel), preparing for battle. On Saptami, she is worshipped as Singhabahini, riding a lion — one of her most revered forms. On Mahashtami, she assumes her terrifying form of Mahishamardini, slayer of Mahishasura. The ritual of Sandhipuja and Kushmandabali is performed late at night. While buffalo sacrifices were once part of the ritual, this has been replaced since 1969 with pumpkin (kushmanda) offerings.
On Navami, to calm the fierce form of the Goddess, Shanti Puja, Shanti Homa, and Shanta Besha are performed, with the deity dressed in white garments and adorned with white flowers.
On Dashami (Dussehra), the mobile idol of Maa Mangala is taken in a grand procession accompanied by fireworks and lights to the Someshwara Shambhu Temple, where Haradurga Bheta — the symbolic union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga — takes place after three circumambulations. With this, the Sharadiya Puja concludes.
What They Say:
Subash Chandra Padhi, Shodasha Upachara Pujapanda
“Maa Mangala’s Sharadiya Puja follows a unique tradition. From Mulashtami to Mahashtami, the goddess is worshipped with deep devotion and through detailed sixteen-fold rituals. Her various forms, including mobile idols, are displayed throughout the festival.”
Harihara Dixit, Member, Sebayat Advisor Committee
“This is a grand spiritual celebration. The devotion and commitment of the temple priests, who dress the Goddess in different clothes and ornaments every day, make it a sight of divine grace. Seeing Maa in her various adornments is considered spiritually rewarding.”
Manas Kumar Dixit, Senior Sebayat
“The offering of non-vegetarian bhog is a rare and sacred tradition here. Devotees from across Odisha arrive with the sole purpose of receiving the amish prasad, which is prepared by temple cooks and offered to the deity before distribution.”
Kailash Chandra Das, Executive Officer, Mangala Temple Trust Board
“All the rituals and arrangements are handled with care and coordination by the temple management. A special Niti Committee begins preparations a month in advance to ensure the flawless execution of the ceremonies.”
Pradipta Kumar Dixit, Advisor, Temple Trust Board
“Like other Shakti Peethas, Kakatpur becomes vibrant during the Sharadiya Puja. The temple interior and exterior are decorated with flowers and lights. Devotees from across the state arrive to seek Maa’s blessings during this grand festival.”
