Mānabasā Gurubāra is a festival celebrated by Odia Hindus in the East Indian state of Odisha. It is also celebrated by Odias living in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, South Jharkhand and South West Bengal. In this festival Goddess Mahalaxmi is the presiding deity. Devotees believe that the goddess herself visits every household to remove pain and sorrow. It is held on every Thursday in the month of Margasira.[1][2][3]
| Mānabasā Gurubāra | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Observed by | Odias |
| Type | Hindu |
| Observances | Lakshmi Vrat Puja |
| Begins | 1st Thursday in the month of Margasira in Odia calendar |
| Ends | Last Thursday in the month of Margasira in Odia calendar |
| Frequency | annual |
It is widely believed that Goddess Lakshmi is drawn to cleanliness, inspiring everyone to thoroughly clean their homes and adorn them with intricate jhoti chita designs.[4] According to tradition, the goddess blesses the most beautifully decorated and harmonious home in the village—one radiating devotion, familial unity, and marital bliss—with health, happiness, and prosperity.
History
editThis festival is rooted in Hindu mythology of Goddess Lakshmi as narrated in the Lakshmi Purana.[5] According to the text, Goddess Lakshmi once visited Shriya, a low-caste scavenger woman, which angered Balarama, the elder brother of Lord Jagannath. As a result, Lakshmi was expelled from the Jagannath Temple, one of the four most sacred pilgrimage sites (Char Dham) for Hindus. In response, Lakshmi left the temple and cursed her husband and brother-in-law to endure severe hardships without food, water, or shelter. The Lakshmi Purana challenges the social evil of Untouchability and highlights the themes of feminism and female empowerment, portraying Lakshmi as a powerful force against male dominance. Inspired by this story, devotees perform puja for Goddess Lakshmi, celebrating her strength and advocating for social equality.[6][7]
References
edit- ^ "In Pics: Manabasa Gurubar enters its third phase". Archived from the original on 2015-12-15.
- ^ "Manabasa Gurubara".
- ^ "Manabasa Gurubara".
- ^ "Jhooti, Gurubara Chitta - Rangoli :- A Symbol of Traditional Odia Culture : Margasira Masa Sesa Gurubar #Odisha #Festival #Odia". eodisha.org. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
- ^ "Lakhmi Puarana". Archived from the original on December 8, 2015.
- ^ "Manabasa Gurubar – Worship of Goddess Lakshmi on Thursday in Orissa Margasira".
- ^ "Laxmi Purana" (PDF).