Kumar Purnima celebrated across the state

Keywords: Kumar Purnima, Chanda Chakata, Anjula teka, Poonam Mishra, kumaris, Lord Kartik
The auspicious festival of Kumar Purnima is being celebrated across the state. The Covid-19 pandemic has had no effect on the festival as it is mostly being celebrated inside homes.

Wearing new dresses, kumaris or unmarried girls, performed the traditional rituals in the wee hours today. This is called Anjula Teka in which they offer a palmful of prasad comprising khai, janhi (ridge gourd), banana, cucumber, coconut and betel nut to Sun god. Besides, they also performed Chand Puja in the evening in which they worshipped the moon. Chanda chakata was offered to the moon. It’s believed that maidens observe this festival to get a handsome husband like Lord Kartik. The girls also sing the festive song, Kuanr Punei Janha Lo, Phula Baulabeni, while completing puja rituals in the evening.
“Since it has been a tradition for girls to observe this festival, I’ve been doing so since childhood. It’s an interesting festival and I enjoy celebrating it,” said Saraswati Biswal, a banker.
Even Odia celebrities observed the day at home. Actress Poonam Mishra said she observed a fast throughout the day and had water intermittently. “In the morning, I had the Anjula Teka. After finishing my day’s work, I returned home before evening to perform the Chanda puja,” she said.
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