Bhubaneswar, Oct 6: Kumar Purnima, the festival dedicated to unmarried girls, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and traditional fervor across Odisha on Monday.

The day began as early as 4 am, with young girls adorning themselves in new attire and preparing offerings of seven types of seasonal fruits and delicacies including puffed rice, banana, coconut, sugarcane, and cucumber. They performed the ritual of “Anjuli Teka” (raising cupped hands) seven times while offering prayers to the rising sun.

The festival marks the birth of Lord Kartikeya, and it is believed that worshipping him on this day blesses girls with a handsome and valiant life partner. In the evening, girls gather around decorated courtyards to perform Chandra Puja, offering “Chanda Chakata” — a sweet dish made of puffed rice, coconut, banana, chhena, and jaggery — to the moon.

Kumar Purnima is also observed as the birthday of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. In many regions, she is worshipped in her Gajalakshmi form, often for a single day, though some places extend the celebration for 7 to 10 days. Beautiful Maa Lakshmi idols and pandals are set up in various towns and villages to mark the occasion.

Beyond Odisha, the festival is celebrated in Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Mithila under the name Sharad Purnima. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes at night and blesses only those who stay awake. Hence, people engage in singing, dancing, and playing games throughout the night.

Traditionally, people avoid solid food and consume only liquid items like coconut water and milk. The milk is boiled until thick and garnished with dry fruits to be consumed as a special drink. Some also enjoy chilled milk with flattened rice (chuda) as part of the celebration. In Maharashtra, the festival holds special significance, with elders gifting presents to the eldest child in the family.

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