Balangir: ‘Bhai Juntia’, the traditional celebration of sibling bond and care, was once a major festival in Western Odisha held on the auspicious day of Durga Astami.
Besides the ritualistic renewal of love between brothers and sisters, the festival also marked mass worshiping by girls and women for the harmony and prosperity of their households.
But given the change in lifestyles, the festival has lost much of its significance of community celebration these days, old timers complained.
Former president of Utkal Sammilani, Dr Bhabagrahi Mahapatra recollected, “During my childhood, I had seen this festival being celebrated at my native village of Themera in Sambalpur. Both women and girls used to gather at one place in the evening and pray to Devi Durga to protect their brothers, which is a unique way of showing sibling care. Next morning, sisters tied the thread called ‘Juntia’ and broke their fast.”
“The essence of the festival has been diluted. Now instead of community gatherings, devotees prefer performing puja at home or at puja pandals,” rued the 90-year-old veteran.
As to the festival’s origin, Ramachandra Tripathy, a local priest in Balangir, said, “There is no evidence regarding when exactly this festival started. But devotees believe that if they keep a fast on this occasion, Maa Durga will bless them with prosperity.”
On her part, 65-year-old Sabita Dash, who has been fasting from her early years, said, “There are many stories that this festival dates back to Dwapara Yuga. My grandmother told me stories that when Krishna and Balabhadra went to war, their beloved sister Subhadra used to pray to Maa Durga and keep fast for their well being. That’s how Bhai Juntia came to be celebrated on Durga Astmi.”
