Panchuk Vrat is the last auspicious five days of the holy month 'Kartik' which is celebrated in a very sattvik manner in Odisha. The holy month of Kartik falling in October and November every year holds many significances for every Odia in particular and every Indian in general. People of Odisha observe many traditional festivals and rituals during this month like Habis, Panchuk, Karthik Purnima and Boita Vandana.
How is Panchuk Vrat celebrated?
❀ During Panchuk, people wake up before sunrise and complete their daily chores. People worship Mata Lakshmi and Bhagwan Narayana to mark the auspicious occasion.
❀ Married women worship Mata Vrindavati, incarnated in the sacred Tulsi plant, seeking longevity and well-being for their husbands.
❀ Rangoli is made in front of the Tulsi plant. The sound of conch and 'Hulhuli' creates a completely different atmosphere.
❀ According to Padma Purana, devotees who follow the five-day rituals will attain spiritual advancement and pure devotion towards Bhagwan Krishna. Panchuk festival also has significance in Jagannath temple. Bhagwan Jagannath and his siblings adorn five sacred attires, displaying distinct divine personalities every day.
Importance of Kartik Panchuka Vrat
Kartik Vrat is observed throughout the month and the important rituals followed include partial fasting and recitation of Kartik Mahatmya from Padma Purana. A large number of pilgrims (especially widows and women) come to Puri to serve Bhagwan Jagannath and observe fast.
During the entire month, they eat food only once a day, at noon, which is known as Habis and the fasting devotees are known as Habisiyali. They either take Mahaprasad from the temple or prepare their own Habis food with specific vegetables and pulses throughout this month.
Kartik Purnima in Odisha marks the end of Panchuk. On the day of Purnima, people of Odisha traditionally float hand-made boats made of banana stem or thermocol in nearby water bodies singing folk songs like 'Aa Ka Ma Boi'. This Boit Vandana festival is similar to the 'Masakapan Ke Tukad' festival of Bali and the 'Loi Krathong' festival of Thailand.
| Related Name | Habisha |
| Begins Tithi | Katrika Shukla Paksha, Dashami |
| Reason | Bhagwan Vishnu |
| Celebrations | Prayer at Temple, Vrat, Puja at Home |
Updated: Nov 19, 2024 18:25 PM