Kumari Bibaha being observed on the eve of Kumar Purnima and (below) a Chhou artiste performs at a cultural programme in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 10: Fun and excitement of Kumar Purnima, the festival observed by young unmarried girls, has gripped the city. Oriya households are buzzing with folk songs and age-old rituals on the full-moon day of the Ashwin month.

Dedicated to the Sun and Moon Gods, the traditional Oriya festival of Kumar Purnima is celebrated by young girls who adorn new clothes and jewellery for the rituals. During the first phase of the festival, the Sun God is invoked and prayers are chanted to pay tribute to the Sun. A handful of water along with flower petals, known as anjuli, is offered to the rising Sun during this worship performed early in the morning.

“The festivities of Kumar Purnima were fun-filled during my childhood in the village. But it is a positive thing that even today, girls in cities are taking interest in celebrating the festival. Even though the folk songs and rural games are missing from the scene, the essence of the rituals is very much alive,” said Nirupama Das, a homemaker.

Girls also get together in groups and create jhotis (designs made with rice paste) in front of the tulasi or basil plant. These patterns of chariots and illustrations of the moon are decorated with flowers. In the evening, when the full moon appears, offerings of items like country cakes and the chanda made out of banana smash, cottage cheese, grated coconut and flowers that is shaped in form of a crescent are made to the Moon God.

The festival is also observed to please Lord Kartikeswara, the son of Lord Shiva, who is also known as Kumar.

Apart from household festivities, a number of cultural programmes are organised in various cities of the state. In Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, cultural organisations will be conducting Kumar Utsav that will showcase performances by kids. In the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, many villages will be conducting the mock marriage of kids called Kumari Bibaha. In this tradition, two girls enact bride and groom and the whole village joins in to celebrate the mock marriage.

In Puri, the three-day long annual Kumar Utsav, that has been conducted since the last 31 years, will be held from Tuesday.

Dancers and singers from the state and outside, including Udit Narayan, will feature in this cultural event.