Bhubaneswar: Thousands gathered at Chandrabhaga near the iconic Konark Sun Temple in Puri district on Tuesday to mark Samba Dashami, a vibrant festival unique to Odisha dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Surya.
Pilgrims gathered early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the Bay of Bengal, offering prayers and participating in traditional rituals believed to invoke blessings for health and protection from diseases, particularly for children.
A highlight of the festivities was the ceremonial Surya Rath Yatra, where devotees enthusiastically pulled a chariot carrying idols from Ananta Abadhuta Mutt to the beach, adhering to age-old customs. The procession, accompanied by chants and devotional songs, underscored the deep-rooted faith in Surya’s healing powers.
Samba Dashami falls on the 10th day of the Shukla Paksha in the Pausha month of the traditional Odia calendar. Mothers and women lead the observances, performing Surya Puja to safeguard their families’ well-being.
The festival draws from ancient legend: Samba, son of Lord Krishna, was cursed with leprosy after mocking Sage Narada, prompting an enraged Krishna to afflict him. Advised to seek remedy through penance, Samba worshipped Surya rigorously for 12 years at Mitravana (near present-day Konark) on the Chandrabhaga riverbank. Pleased by his devotion, the Sun God cured him upon a holy dip on this auspicious day, inspiring the annual tradition.
Local administration has made adequate security arrangements at Konark, anticipating crowds of tourists and picnickers blending festival rituals with New Year revelry in the nearby casuarina forests.
Across Odisha, households celebrated with religious fervor. Married women prepared special delicacies like various pithas (traditional rice cakes such as manda, kakara, and poda pitha), khichdi, and ghadghadia tarkari (a mixed vegetable curry). These offerings, along with fruits and sweets, were presented to Surya during morning puja and later shared as prasad among family members.
