Bada Osha

Dhabaleswar, Temple of Lord Mahadeva in the state of Orissa is an extremely famous and known among the localites of the state. The festival of Bada Osha is essentially a “Festival of Fasting” celebrated in the month of Kartik.

As a custom this fast is mostly observed by men. The fast is kept on the fourteenth of Kartika. In the year 2010, it will fall on 28th Nov’10.

Orissa is famous for its culture and traditions. As a state it witnesses a number of religions, temples, shrines and tribes all fusing to blend in a rich state of traditions.

As the number of religions found here are many, so are the festivals and fairs celebrated.

Many festivals celebrated in Orissa find close resemblance to the festivals of Northern India, yet they differ in their names and practices here.

Dhabaleswar (Temple of Lord Mahadeva):

The festival of Bada Osha is primarily celebrated at the temple of Lord Mahadeva- Dhabaleswar. The temple is situated on an island in the river Mahanadi. The temple is located very close to the city of Cuttack, nearly 3Kms. Although the temple is always occupied by devotees, but on the Festival of Bada Osha, lakhs of tourists and devotees throng the place of worship to offerprayers.

Fasts

The fasts in contradistinction to the fairs and festivals are under taken by individuals in fulfillment of personal vows-either for one's own personal interest or in interest of one's loved ones. The fasts are of two kinds. The 'Brata' (vrata) is a fast undertaken in fulfillment of a vow made both men and women, whereas the 'Osha' is the fast which is undertaken only by women.

In the year 2010, it will fall on 20th Nov’10.