Manabasa Gurubar in odisha | Mahalaxmi Puja

Manabasa Gurubar -Mahalaxmi puja

Manabasa Gurubar, a traditional Odia festival about women empowerment and caste equality, that’s celebrated every Thursday in the month of Margashira, was observed in Odia households. The festival is also known as Margashira Laxmi Puja. The first Manabasa Gurubar of this month started on the Thursday right after Kartika Purnima. It’s believed that Goddess Mahalaxmi visits every household on these days and blesses people with wealth, prosperity and happiness.

To celebrate the third Manabasa Gurubar of the ongoing Margashira month, women clean up their houses and decorated it with alpana or chita. It’s believed that Mahalaxmi visits those households that are clean. Moreover, women plaster the front gate with cow-dung or red soil and put chita as decoration near the gate. The foot marks of Mahalaxmi and lotus are marked through the chita.

Mana, a traditional bamboo measuring container, is filled to its brink with freshly harvested paddy and offered to Mahalaxmi and that’s how the festival has got its name Manabasa Gurubar. Moreover, all women read the Laxmi Purana written by Balaram Das. According to the text, Goddess Laxmi is thrown out of her house by her husband "Lord Jagannath" on the advice of his elder brother Balaram, as she had visited the house of Sriya, an untouchable woman after being satisfied with her puja. However, Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra started facing problems and had to go through immense suffering. Then they realised the importance of Goddess Laxmi and brought her back home.

“We too are celebrating this festival. My mom wakes up early and decorates the house with chita. Different kinds of delicious pithas and khiri are also being cooked,” .

2. Significance

Manabasa Gurubar is primarily celebrated to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth, abundance, and well-being. The festival also holds agricultural significance as it marks the beginning of the harvest season. It is believed that performing rituals and offering prayers during this period brings prosperity to households and ensures a bountiful harvest.

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3. Legends and Mythology

According to Mythology , there was a poor woman named Shriya who lived in a remote village. Despite her poverty, she was devoted to Goddess Lakshmi and would regularly perform prayers and rituals. One day, a saint disguised as a beggar visited her house seeking alms. Despite her meager resources, Shriya offered him a handful of flattened rice (poha). Pleased with her generosity, the saint blessed her, and miraculously, her house was filled with wealth and prosperity.

4. Preparations and Rituals

The preparations for Manabasa Gurubar start well in advance. Women clean their houses and paint beautiful traditional designs (alpana) with rice paste on the floor, symbolizing prosperity. Clay pots filled with paddy sprouts are placed on a decorated pedestal, representing the harvest. Devotees observe a fast and offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, reciting hymns and singing devotional songs.

5. Traditional Cuisine

Food plays a significant role in the celebration of Manabasa Gurubar. One of the traditional dishes prepared during this festival is "Enduri Pitha," a steamed rice cake filled with a sweet mixture of coconut and jaggery. Other delicacies like "Manda Pitha" (rice dumplings) and "Chakuli Pitha" (rice pancakes) are also prepared and offered as prasad (religious offering) to the goddess.

6. Art and Craft

Manabasa Gurubar is also a platform for showcasing the rich art and craft forms of Odisha. Intricate rangoli designs, known as "chita," adorn the doorsteps of houses. Traditional handcrafted items like "Patta Chitra" (scroll painting) and "Taal Patra" (palm leaf engravings) are displayed as a part of the festive decorations. These art forms reflect the cultural heritage and craftsmanship of Odisha.

7. Community Bonding

The festival of Manabasa Gurubar fosters a sense of unity and community bonding. Neighbors and relatives come together to celebrate the occasion. People visit each other's homes, exchange greetings, and share the joy of the festival. The sense of togetherness and camaraderie is heightened during this time, strengthening social ties within the community.

8. Social Impact

Manabasa Gurubar festival has a significant social impact in Odisha. It promotes cultural heritage and traditions by preserving and showcasing the unique customs and rituals associated with the festival. It also provides a platform for local artisans and craftsmen to display their skills and craftsmanship, thereby supporting the local economy. The festival brings people together and encourages social interactions, fostering a sense of belonging and unity.

9. Modern Celebrations

While Manabasa Gurubar festival continues to be celebrated in a traditional manner, modern adaptations have also emerged. Cultural events, competitions, and exhibitions are organized to engage the younger generation and promote the festival's cultural significance.

10. Future of Manabasa Gurubar Festival

The Manabasa Gurubar festival holds a promising future as it continues to gain recognition and popularity beyond the borders of Odisha. Efforts are being made to promote the festival at the national and international levels, showcasing Odisha's rich cultural heritage. With increasing awareness and participation, the festival is likely to witness further growth and evolve into a grand celebration of Odia culture.

Conclusion

Manabasa Gurubar festival is a cherished tradition that celebrates the spirit of devotion, prosperity, and community. It holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Odisha and showcases the vibrant cultural heritage of the state. As the festival continues to thrive and evolve, it serves as a reminder of the importance of traditions, unity, and the pursuit of prosperity in one's life.

FAQs

1. What is the significance of Manabasa Gurubar festival ?

Manabasa Gurubar festival is significant as it is dedicated to seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth, abundance, and prosperity. It also marks the beginning of the harvest season.

2. What are some traditional dishes prepared during Manabasa Gurubar?

Some traditional dishes prepared during Manabasa Gurubar include "Enduri Pitha," "Manda Pitha," and "Chakuli Pitha." These delicacies are offered as prasad to the goddess.

3. How does Manabasa Gurubar foster community bonding?

Manabasa Gurubar brings people together, and neighbors and relatives visit each other's homes, exchange greetings, and celebrate the festival collectively, fostering a sense of community bonding.

4. Is Manabasa Gurubar celebrated only in Odisha?

Yes, Manabasa Gurubar is primarily celebrated in the state of Odisha, India. However, its significance and popularity have extended beyond the state in recent years.

5. What is the future of Manabasa Gurubar festival?

The Manabasa Gurubar festival holds a promising future as efforts are being made to promote it at the national and international levels. With increasing awareness and participation, the festival is likely to grow and gain more recognition.

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