Puajiuntia osha observed across western Odisha, Mothers kept fast for sons’ wellbeing
The Puajiuntia festival, celebrated with great devotion across western Odisha, embodies the profound bond between a mother and her son.
Subarnapur/ Nuapada/ Deogarh/ Rairakhol: Puajiuntia festival observed across western Odisha yesterday night when mothers kept fasting for wellbeing of their sons and worshipped God. Also called ‘Dutibahana Osha’ the festival was celebrated in Subarnapur, Deogarh, Nuapada, Boudh, Rairakhol and many other places.
Puajiuntia is a festival of the sacred bond between mother and son. Among the festivals celebrated across western Odisha, the “Pua Jiuntia” Osha has retained a special significance till today. This Osha, which has been observed since ancient times, is celebrated with great devotion by mothers wishing for the well-being and long life of their sons. This Dutivahan Puja or “Pua Jiuntia” is celebrated across western Odisha.
The Puajiuntia festival, celebrated with great devotion across western Odisha, embodies the profound bond between a mother and her son. This ancient festival, observed with special significance in places like Koraput, Nuapada, Sambalpur, Subarnapur, Rairakhol, Boudh, Binika, and Deogarh, sees mothers undertaking a day-long fast wishing for the wellbeing and long life of their sons.
Devotion and Rituals
Mothers across western Odisha observe this festival with remarkable dedication. On the eighth day of Ashwin Krishna Pakshya, they keep a strict fast without water, worshipping Dutivahan (also associated with Goddess Durga in some areas like Rairakhol). The evening puja involves offering 108 rice granules, cucumber, amla branch, fruits, and flowers for each son to Dutivahan. In places like Nuapada, women offer 21 types of fruits and incense with devotion.
Observation across western Odisha
Rairakhol, Sambalpur: Women celebrate Puajiuntia in the name of Goddess Durga, wishing for sons’ long life and birth of a son for childless women. 108 unbroken rice grains and lamps are used in worship.
Nuapada: Villages are filled with celebration as women worship Dutivaman with 21 types of fruits/roots and listen to Usha Purana.
Harabhanga, Boudh: Diti Vahan Osha is observed with midnight puja on Mulashtami Tithi; married women wish for prosperity of sons and daughters.
Binika: Mothers perform puja together, placing 21 fruits and offerings at Dutivahan Thakur.
Deogarh: Moolashtami Duti Bahan Puja is a famed festival here; devotees fast and worship for children’s good luck.
Significance
Not only mothers with sons but also childless women observe this fast hoping for a son. The belief is that observing this rigorous fast ensures a son’s happy and long life. Mothers tie ‘jinuntia’ to their sons, give gifts, and bless them for longevity. The festival manifests deep faith and religious feelings, highlighting the sacred mother-son bond.
