Today, married women across Odisha are celebrating Sudasha Brata, a unique and significant festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.
This auspicious occasion, observed during the Chaitra Navratra, is marked by early morning puja rituals aimed at ensuring the well-being and prosperity of their families.
Sudasha Brata holds special importance as it is celebrated when Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon), Thursday, and Dashami coincide. The festival is deeply rooted in Odia tradition and is characterized by various rituals that symbolize purity and devotion.
The day begins with women fasting and performing Surya Puja at dawn. They adorn their homes with intricate rice paste designs known as Jhoti Chita, symbolizing the auspicious visit of Goddess Lakshmi. The main ritual involves tying a sacred thread, known as the Brata, around their right arm. This thread, which is replaced only during the next Sudasha Brata, has ten knots, each representing one of the ten names of Goddess Lakshmi.
Offerings are made in sets of ten, including ten flowers, ten Manda Pithas (steamed cakes), ten chenna bhog (cottage cheese sweets), and other items. These offerings are made throughout the day in three phases, starting with mashed chenna mixed with banana, coconut, and jaggery in the morning, followed by Manda Pithas at noon, and concluding with Panaa Bhog before dusk.
The festival underscores the importance of cleanliness and preparation, with homes being meticulously cleaned and purified the night before. Women wear traditional sarees, typically in white and red or yellow hues, adding to the festive spirit.
Sudasha Brata exemplifies the rich cultural heritage of Odisha, blending devotion, symbolism, and familial bonds. It serves as a reminder of the enduring faith in Goddess Lakshmi and the significance of family well-being in Odia culture.
