Maa Mangala’s Winter Attire Ritual – A Unique Tradition
Kakatpur, 11/12/2024 (Tushar Dixit) – On the auspicious occasion of Margasira Shukla Paksha Shasthi, the sacred ritual of Ghoda Lagibesha (winter attire) was observed late at night at the revered temple of Goddess Maa Mangala, the presiding deity of Kakatpur in Puri district. To protect the divine mother from the harsh winter, she is adorned with special winter garments. As per traditional customs, the temple servitors prepared and presented this special winter attire with devotion and care.
Servitor Lalit Kumar Dixit explained the significance of the ritual, while temple trustee and local Tehsildar Ankita Anandita expressed her joy at the opportunity to serve the Goddess, saying it is a blessing to be involved in Maa Mangala’s service. She stated that adorning the Mother of the Universe with winter garments protects her from the intense cold.
On the day of Odhana Shasthi, after completing all morning rituals such as Dhupa, Mailama, Avakash Niti, and other sacred rites, the Ghoda Lagibesha ceremony was performed following the completion of the evening ritual Ratri Dhupa. Various subsidiary deities within the temple premises were also dressed in winter garments as part of the tradition.
This special winter attire, which begins on Odhana Shasthi, will continue until Shri Panchami or Basant Panchami, marking the conclusion of this sacred observance.
