Odisha Celebrates the Joyful Festival of Dola Purnima
Today, Odisha is filled with happiness as people celebrate Dola Purnima, a vibrant festival full of colors, joy, and tradition. This special occasion holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the region’s people.
The celebrations begin with Phagu Dashami, marking the start of the festival in the Phalguna month. People across Odisha take part in the festivities with great enthusiasm.
Dola Purnima is closely linked to the worship of Lord Krishna, with devotees honoring him through rituals and playful traditions. The festival brings communities together, spreading love, devotion, and festive cheer across the state.
Dola Purnima: A Festival of Colorful Processions and Devotion
A key highlight of Dola Purnima is the traditional processions that take place across villages. These processions feature Dol Govinda, believed to be a form of Lord Krishna, along with Radha, as they are carried in beautifully decorated palanquins (vimans).
Dressed in stunning attire, the deities are placed on a swing-like structure called ‘Jhulan Mandap’, where devotees offer prayers and celebrate with music, dance, and colors. The vibrant processions bring communities together, creating an atmosphere of devotion, joy, and festivity.
The deities are carried in beautifully decorated palanquins through the village streets, stopping at different homes where devotees offer prayers and seek blessings.
The celebrations reach their peak at Dolapadia or Melana Padia, where palanquins from different villages come together in a grand gathering. The entire state is filled with devotion and festivity, as communities unite to celebrate this vibrant cultural tradition.
A Celebration of Colors and Joy
The festival becomes even more lively with the playful tradition of Abir, where people throw vibrant colors at each other, filling the air with joy. The excitement continues the next day with Holi, spreading even more happiness and fun.
According to legend, Lord Krishna welcomed spring by playing with colors and pulling pranks on his friends in the forests of Vrindavan. This tradition evolved into the festival of Holi, symbolizing love, joy, and togetherness. Dol Purnima specifically honors Krishna’s playful spirit and his eternal love for Radha.
Dola Purnima Brings Light and Joy to Srimandir
The sacred Dola Purnima festival is being celebrated today at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, following age-old traditions. Dol Yatra, one of the twelve important rituals of Lord Jagannath, is observed with great devotion.
On this special day, Lord Jagannath is beautifully dressed in Suna Besha, also known as Rajadhiraja Besha. As per tradition, the mobile idols of Dol Govinda, Bhudevi, and Sridevi are placed on the Dol Mandap (swing pavilion) amid vibrant Abir (colored powders). Thousands of devotees have gathered to witness and take part in the grand celebrations.
To ensure a smooth and joyful experience for all visitors, temple authorities have made special arrangements for the festivities.
