Bhubaneswar: A deviation in the lunar calendar appears to have triggered a confusion over the observance of Kumar Purnima and Gajalaxmi Puja, which are traditionally celebrated on the same day across Odisha.
However, there is a mismatch in dates this year due to a deviation. While Gajalaxmi Puja will be observed on Monday, Kumar Purnima is set to be celebrated on Tuesday.
The differing dates have left many, especially young girls observing Kumar Purnima rituals, uncertain about the correct day for the celebrations.
It has been pointed out that several almanacs have listed Monday as the day for celebrating Kumar Purnima. However, the festival is scheduled to be observed on Tuesday in Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. As a result, there is a confusion among people in the state.
Regarding the importance of the occasion, an astrologer said that unmarried girls traditionally celebrate Kumar Purnima Puja. They wear new clothes and eat a moon-shaped sweet made of cottage cheese in a secret spot, praying for a husband resembling Lord Kartikeya. Gajalaxmi Puja is also observed along with Kumar Purnima Puja.
As per almanacs and traditions, the Kumar Purnima tithi begins on Monday afternoon and ends on Tuesday morning around 9:27 am. The puja will be observed on Tuesday in Puri Jagannath Temple, while girls in the state are set to perform the Kumar Purnima rituals on Monday, said another astrologer
The confusion appeared to have been deepened as the Odisha government declared the Kumar Purnima Puja holiday on October 7, which falls on Tuesday. The state government issues its holiday list based on the English calendar, which is published at the beginning of the New Year, while Odia almanacs are released on April 14.