Khudurukuni Osha

On the Sundays of the month of Bhadrab (Aug-Sept) this festival is observed by the

unmarried girls of the business community of the coastal districts of Orissa. During the

festival Goddess Durga is propitiated Khude Bhaja (Left out particles of rice that are

fried), Kantiali Kakudi (Cucumber having little thorns on it), Lia (fried paddy),

Ukhuda(fried paddy sweetened by molasses) and coconut are the food-offerings given

to the deity. However, the principal food-offering is Khuda which is said to be the

favourite of the Goddess. Therefore, the festival is named as "Khudarankuni" or popularly

'Khudurkuni' which means one who is very eager for khuda.

In the early morning the girls go out collecting flowers required for the ritual. The varieties

are Kaniara, Godibana, Tagara, Malati, Champa, Mandera and Kain. Then they go

to nearby rivers and tanks to have purificatory bath. After this they build tiny temples of

earth or sand and decorate the same with flowers. Paying obeisence to the deity there,

they return to their respective homes. They take two and half mouthfuls of boiled rice

mixed with water without adding salt. Then salt is added. The significance of this act is

not known. After this the, whole day is spent in making garlands and decorating the

image of the Goddess.

In villages generally the deity is worshipped in the Dhinkisala or the place where caddy

is pounced. This place is plastered neatly with cow-dung and the image of the deity is

installed. The floor is painted with floral despins known as Jhoti or Alpana. Garlands

are made to hang like arches. The whole day passes with the arrangement and the rituals

of worship commence in the evening.

After the ritual, are over the girls recite musically the episode of Taapoi which is now

available in print. Eariler this was handed down by oral tradition. The first episode

'Malasri' recounts the killing of the demon by Durga. It is said, that Mahisasura, the terrible

demon became atrocious by getting a boon from Brahma, the creator. Not only

the mankind, but also the Gods got panicky. He became so powerful that even Gods

couldn't kill him. Then all the Gods conferred and went to request the Goddess of

power to kill the demon. Durga agreed and assuming the form of a beautiful damsel

went to Vindhya mountain to pretend penancing. Mahisasura, while out on hunting,

noticed the beautiful damsel and immediately offered to marry her. The damsel

answered that she would only marry that person who would defeat her in duel. Mahisasura

being confident of his power soon agreed to the proposal. A fierce 'duel' ensued

between them; with all her enargy the damsel thrusted a trident violently to the chest of

the demon who was killed. Thus, Durga redeemed the world from the fear and atrocity

of the demon. It is, therefore, believed that the girls worship Durga to be powerful like

Her, to fight evil forces for the goodof the human race.