An idol of Goddess Durga at an immersion procession in Puri. Picture by Sarat Patra

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 25: The fanfare in Puri’s traditional celebrations on the occasion of Dussehra was at its highest today when the city observed the centuries-old gosani yatra. Idols of goddesses or gosanis of the city were carried by devotees in a grand procession on the occasion.

Beginning on the sixth day of navratra or the nine-day worship of the goddess, gosani yatra is dedicated to the local goddesses believed to be the different forms of Goddess Durga. The lanes and bylanes or sahis in the city have presiding goddesses who are also entrusted with the security of the Jagannath temple from all sides, local residents believe.

The gosanis, named after plants such as Kakudikhai, Janhikhai, Jani Mundia, Gelabai, Sunya Gosani and Barabati had colourful faces of yellow, blue and red. The goddess wore emotions of rage and victory over demon Mahisasura. The idols of the gosanis are unique and very tall and are ornamented with accessories made of golden zari and sola — a traditional craft of Puri. Images of animals, birds and toys give the backdrop an attractive appearance.

“Gosani yatra is as old as the Jagannath temple. It is observed to pay obeisance to the goddesses who protect the city and the Jagannath temple. On the day of immersion of the idols, a procession is taken out when servitors of the temple carry the idols on their shoulders and bring them to the entrance of the temple where a dev sabha or meeting of the gods is arranged with over 40 idols seated together,” said local resident Akshay Mishra.

After the divine meeting, the direction from Lord Jagannath comes in the form of a special garland or an agyaan mala, following which the idols are taken for immersion. The average height of the idols is around 15 feet, the tallest being Goddess Barabati’s idol, which is 22 feet.

The nagas or male icons of might are also worshipped during the festival in Puri to hail Goddess Durga, who is believed to have provided them with strength and power. Local residents as well as visitors to the pilgrim town love to celebrate gosani yatra.

“It is a unique festival and a part of Puri’s culture. Gosani yatra is a colourful festival. We hope the culture and tourism department takes more interest in this event to promote this tradition and make arrangements for tourists to enjoy the festival,” said Smaranika Behera, a local resident.