Bhubaneswar, Oct 31: Every year, on the ninth day of the waxing moon in the month of Kartika, communities across Odisha come together to celebrate Anla Navami, also known as Amla Navami, a festival that blends spiritual devotion with reverence for nature and traditional wellness.

At the heart of the celebration is the worship of the amla tree (Indian gooseberry), a plant deeply rooted in both Hindu mythology and Ayurvedic medicine. Rich in iron and vitamin C, the amla fruit is known to boost digestion, enhance skin radiance, and reduce hair fall. Yet, on this particular day, the fruit is not consumed. Instead, the tree itself becomes the focus of ritual and prayer.

From early morning, devotees, especially women, begin the day with ritual baths, often in sacred rivers. They then gather around amla trees, decorating them with Sankha Chudi (red conch shell bangles), vermillion, sandalwood paste, and sacred threads.

Offerings of raw milk, rice grains, incense, and flowers are placed at the tree’s base. Circumambulation follows, typically eight times, though some devotees complete 108 rounds, while tying threads around the trunk as a symbol of devotion.

The mythology behind Anla Navami adds a rich layer of meaning to the rituals. According to legend, Goddess Lakshmi once descended to Earth and wished to worship both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva together. Realizing that Tulsi (holy basil) is dear to Vishnu but not used in Shiva’s worship, she turned to the amla tree, which symbolically contains the qualities of both Tulsi and Bel (a plant dear to Lord Shiva). Worshipping the tree as a representation of both deities, Lakshmi offered food at its base, prompting the divine appearance of Vishnu and Shiva. This act established the tradition of cooking and offering meals beneath the amla tree on this auspicious day.

The rituals culminate in prayers for the well-being of children and the prosperity of the household. Families gather under the tree to perform puja, listen to the story of Anla Navami, and share a meal prepared in the sacred space.

Anla Navami stands as a testament to Odisha’s enduring cultural heritage, where mythology, nature, and holistic health converge in a celebration of gratitude and spiritual harmony.