Odia Calendar 2024 December Month
As we approach the end of the year 2023, it’s time to start looking ahead to the upcoming year and what it has in store for us. For those who follow the Odia calendar, the month of December in 2024 is a time of great significance and celebration. In this article, we will explore the various events, festivals, and traditions associated with the Odia calendar in December 2024.
Overview of the Odia Calendar
The Odia calendar is a traditional lunar calendar used in the state of Odisha, India. It consists of 12 months, each of which is divided into two parts – the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) and the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha). The calendar is closely tied to the agricultural cycle and is used to determine the dates of important festivals and events throughout the year.
December 2024 Festivals and Events
December is an important month in the Odia calendar, with several major festivals and events taking place. Here are some of the most significant:
- Prathamastami
- Dhanu Sankranti
- Christmas
- Mukteswara Dance Festival
- Panchuka
Prathamastami
Prathamastami is a festival celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the lunar month of Margashirsha. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is celebrated with great fervour in Odisha. On this day, children who have completed their first eight years of life are given new clothes and are worshipped as embodiments of the divine.
Dhanu Sankranti
Dhanu Sankranti is a harvest festival celebrated on the first day of the solar month of Dhanu. It marks the beginning of the winter solstice and is a time of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest. People offer prayers to the sun god and prepare special dishes using newly harvested crops.
Christmas
Although not a traditional Odia festival, Christmas is celebrated with great enthusiasm in many parts of Odisha. Christians attend mass and sing carols, while non-Christians participate in the festivities by decorating their homes and exchanging gifts.
Mukteswara Dance Festival
The Mukteswara Dance Festival is a five-day celebration of classical dance held at the Mukteswara Temple in Bhubaneswar. Dancers from all over India come to perform traditional Odissi, Bharatnatyam, and Kathak dances.
Panchuka
Panchuka is a five-day festival celebrated in the month of Margashirsha. It is a time for introspection and penance and is marked by fasting and prayer. On the final day, people break their fast by eating a special type of puffed rice called “Poda Pitha”.
Question and Answer
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Odia calendar in December 2024:
Q. What is the significance of Prathamastami?
A. Prathamastami is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is celebrated to mark the completion of a child’s first eight years of life. It is believed that children who have completed this age are no longer vulnerable to diseases and evil spirits.
Q. What is Poda Pitha?
A. Poda Pitha is a special type of puffed rice cake that is eaten on the final day of the Panchuka festival. It is made by wrapping rice flour, jaggery, coconut, and cardamom in banana leaves and roasting it over a fire.
Q. What is the Mukteswara Dance Festival?
A. The Mukteswara Dance Festival is a five-day celebration of classical dance held at the Mukteswara Temple in Bhubaneswar. It is a platform for classical dancers to showcase their talent and for people to appreciate the beauty of Indian dance forms.
Conclusion
The Odia calendar is an integral part of the cultural heritage of Odisha. It is a testament to the rich history and traditions of the state and is a source of pride for its people. The festivals and events in December 2024 are a reflection of this heritage and are a time of joy, celebration, and renewal for all.