On the final Monday of the sacred Kartika month, thousands of devotees thronged the Dhabaleswar Temple in Cuttack and the Jagannath Temple in Puri to observe the holy festival of ‘Bada Osha’, a major celebration in Odisha’s Shaivite calendar.
The revered Dhabaleswar shrine, situated on an island in the Mahanadi River, came alive with devotional chants, the sound of conch shells, and the scent of incense as devotees offered prayers to Lord Dhabaleswar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The deity was adorned in the divine ‘Bada Singhar’ besha (attire), symbolising grace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfilment.
Early Morning Rituals and Sacred Traditions
Temple rituals began as early as 4 am, with the ceremonial opening of the sanctum (pahadakholaa) followed by the ritual bath of the deity using 108 pitchers of holy water and the Mangala Alati. Following purification, the deity was dressed in the grand ‘Bada Singhar’ decorations — a form believed to bless devotees with divine benevolence.
From dawn, continuous streams of devotees crossed the Mahanadi via the pedestrian bridge and ferry routes, chanting ‘Har Har Mahadev’ as they made their way to the shrine.
Heavy Security Deployment in Cuttack
Due to the massive turnout, the Cuttack district administration implemented extensive security measures to maintain order and ensure safety.
Two Additional Superintendents of Police, two Executive Magistrates, and over 100 police officers were deployed, supported by 15 platoons of armed police. CCTV surveillance and control units were installed at key points across the temple complex and entry routes.
Police and volunteers were stationed along the connecting bridge and riverbank to prevent overcrowding and assist senior citizens and differently-abled devotees. Health and fire service teams were also on standby throughout the day.
Festive Spirit at Puri Srimandir
In Puri, the second day of the Panchuka observance drew heavy footfall at the Jagannath Temple, where devotees witnessed Lord Jagannath in the ‘Adikia’ or ‘Tribikram’ besha.
The deities were adorned with golden ornaments including ghagadamali, padmamali, barakolimala, and sripayar, signifying Lord Jagannath’s cosmic stride. The sight is regarded as one of the most spiritually significant moments of the Kartika month.
Both shrines witnessed deep devotion, elaborate rituals, and seamless crowd management, marking the culmination of Kartika’s holy observances with grandeur and spiritual fervour.
