Two girls get “married” to observe Kumar Purnima in Bhubaneswar on Monday. Famous folk song Kuanra punei janha lo, Phula baula beni echoed across the state as the festival, mostly observed by young unmarried girls, ushered in a cheerful spirit into households. “Every year we observe Kumar Purnima by organising a mock wedding ceremony of two young girls. Not only does it allow us to enjoy ourselves but also helps preserve age-old traditions,” said Ipsita Sahu, a Bhubaneswar resident. Celebrated on the full-moon day of the Ashwin month, the Kumar Purnima festival is dedicated to Lord Kartikeswara, the son of Lord Shiv and Goddess Parvati.

Text by Namita Panda, Telegraph picture