Sudipta Mishra, Puri, 19 October 2024
At the onset of the first full moon day of Aswini month
We celebrate the much-awaited carnival of our hearts!
Young girls of Odisha cherish for their would-be partners
Together they cheer for a twinkling future…
With the silky, shiny moon of the azure sky
They dance and sing with spirits high
Soaring moods exalt their emotions
They chant and fast with sheer devotion.
‘Kumar Purnima’ is here.
In October, the maidens of Odisha find reasons for celebration
With floral design and decorated with fireworks illustration
They glorify the Sun and the Moon!
The people of Odisha
Also welcome Goddess Laxmi
For fortune in abundance
And multitude of good fame,
They drape themselves in new dresses
Together they gather around the basil tree with ‘Aakash Deep’
While creating an illusion of falling down of glorious flame to Earth from Heaven.
Footnotes:
1) Kumar Purnima – In Odisha, it’s a much awaited celebration of young girls as they perform rituals to get perfect partners. For getting attractive husbands, they pray to the moon.
2) Akash Deep – During Kartik month this lamp is lit near the basil plant inside an earthenware dish.
