Samba Dashami is a unique ritual observed in the Paush month in Orissa
as per traditional Oriya calendar. Samba Dashami 2023 date is january 1st Sunday. On the day mothers observe special puja and rituals dedicated to
Lord Surya for the good health and long life of their children. The
story of Samba Dasami is associated with Samba, the son of Lord Krishna Legend
has it that Samba was once afflicted with leprosy and he was cured
after praying to Lord Surya. Samba performed penance for 12 years before
he was cured.
Samba Dasami is observed on the 10th day during the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Paush month (December – January).
Special dishes are prepared on the day. The dishes are first offered to Lord Surya and is later shared the children.
On
this day, female folks of the family wake up early in the morning
before sun rise. After bathing, they prepare variety of food items like,
Khichdi, Oriya Puli, Ghadghadia Tarkari (a curry item) and offer them
to Sun God during sun rise.
One of the specific characters of
this ritual is variety of individual food item is offered to Sun God in
the name of each member of the family. After that female folks of the
families go on preparing variety of Pitha (Cake) like – Manda Pitha,
Kakara Pitha, Arisha Pitha, Biri Laddoo and other items like Makar
Chaula, Chhena Guda, Dhanu Muaan; sweet dishes like Khiri, Rasagola,
Jhilli, Chhenagaja, Sweet Curd etc. all over the day.
In the noon
time, a bowl of turmeric water with a beetle in it is taken to ‘Chaunra
Mula’ (a small temple like structure with a Tulsi plant overhead). All
the cooked foods are served in plates. Then female heads of the family
see the face of Sun God through the bowl of turmeric water and offer all
the cuisine to the God.
They read the legend of Samba Dasami
Brata Katha and pray for the well-being of the whole family members. In
the late night or evening, another puja is observed as a part of Samba
Dashami ritual. This is known as ‘Mahakala Puja’. Special Budha Chakuli
is offered to Yama.
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