Karamsani Puja: A 200-year old tradition observed in Ghasien of Balangir district, watch
Over 500 devotees of the village keep fast and gather in front of Lord Jagannath temple to participate in the puja and to spend the whole night singing name of the Goddess
Patnagarh: Karamsani Puja is being done in the Ghasien village under Patnagarh Block of Balangir district in Odisha for the past 200 years. The villagers, including children and adults, observe fast without even drinking water and worship Goddess Karamsani together in front of the Lord Jagannath temple in the village with great devotion. Over 500 devotees gather at a single location to perform the Karamsani Puja.
The origin of this puja and fast dates back to the time of Jagannath Gadatya, the then Gountia (village head) of Ghasien. According to local legend, a severe plague then ravaged the village, claiming many lives. Despite various efforts to combat the disease, the villagers found relief only after worshipping Maa Karamsani. Since then, the tradition of Karamsani Puja is being done here.
Currently, the puja is led by Nimayin Gadatya, the present chief, and his wife Jhilli Gadatya. Devotees believe that Maa Karamsani’s blessings have helped many recover from illnesses and fulfill their wishes. In gratitude, they offer various items to the peetha (sacred seat).
During Karamsani Puja, a branch of a specific tree is worshipped as a representation of Maa Karamsani. The devotees observe a waterless fast in the morning and gather in front of the village Jagannath temple in the evening for worship. After the rituals, they spend the night singing the goddess’s praises and invoking her name.
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