Bhubaneswar, Nov 22: The concluding five days of the sacred month of Kartika in Odisha are observed as Panchuka. Commencing with Bada Ekadashi and concluding on Kartika Purnima, devotees of Lord Jagannath engage in a period of fasting.
Also Read: Panchuka 2023: Makeshift shops on Bada danda in Puri to remain closed.
In the Odia tradition, abstaining from non-vegetarian fare is observed throughout the entire month of Kartika. Those unable to adhere to this practice for the entire month abstain from non-vegetarian food specifically during the final five days, known as Panchuka or Bagарanchuka. Folklore suggests that even cranes adopt a virtuous stance during this period, refraining from consuming fish.
Panchuka Rituals entail the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Narayan over the five-day span. Married women also pay homage to Goddess Vrundavati, the spouse of the demon Jalandhara, through the veneration of the sacred tulsi plant, seeking longevity for their husbands. The belief is rooted in the notion that Vrundavati's chastity and purity sustained the life of her husband, who did not adhere to any dharma. Consequently, women believe that by appeasing Vrundavati, they can ensue similar merit.
Lord Jagannath adorned in various attire, known as Bhesa, on each of the five days:
- Lakshmi-Narayana Vesha on Kartika Sukla Ekadasi tithi (the 11th day of the bright fortnight in Kartika)
- Bankachula Vesha on Kartika Sukla Dwadasi tithi (the 12th day of the bright fortnight in Kartika)
- Tribikram Vesha on Kartika Sukla Trayodasi tithi (the 13th day of the bright fortnight in Kartika)
- Lakshmi-Nrusingha Vesha on Kartika Sukla Chaturdasi tithi (the 14th day of the bright fortnight in Kartika)
- Raja Rajeswari Vesha on Kartika Purnima (the full moon day of the bright fortnight in Kartika)
The Kartika Brata concludes on 'Kartika Purnima,' marking both the end of the Kartika month and the culmination of Panchuka.
