Pousha Purnima
Pousha Purnima, also known as Puspuni, is an annual festival observed in Odisha, India. This is observed on the Puni day of the month of Pus. It derives its origin from the age-old agrarian culture of the land. Basically, it is an annual occasion wherein the farmer families celebrate their annual harvest of paddy. It has given rise to a great tradition of celebration by other communities, too. People of Western Odisha, irrespective of their economic occupation feast, song and dance, and rejoice in giving away on this day.
Observance
Year Wise Date and Day of Puspuni
2018 - 02 Jan 2018, TuesdaySpecial deviation
Bargarh town, in Western Odisha deviates from the normal observation by delaying 1 day, as the mythical King of Dhanuyatra, death of Maharaj Kansa, on the same day as per Indian Lunar Calendar. The day is delayed due to death of the King Kansa on the largest open air theatre.Feasting and merrymaking
The farmers of Western Odisha grow paddy on their agricultural land during monsoon and harvest in autumn. After they bring home all the yield, they find themselves relaxed of all the toils and experience a great sense of satisfaction. This inspires them to rejoice with family and friends. On the full moon day of the month of Pausha they cook rice, tasty dishes, especially goat meat, along with rice pudding and cakes. The family dines together and makes merry. They share their dishes and cakes with other families and friends. Some communities celebrate with Kusna and Mahuli. This feasting is associated with community playing, singing and dancing. In past, the male youth played Chhur, Gudu, and Gourbaadi. Some engage themselves in pastimes like Kukraamaar, Garraamaar and the like. Likewise, the girls played Saatgaati or Kansaadi indoors and Humo-bauli outdoors.Chher-Chheraa
Apart from the great feasting and merrymaking, there is also one more great event that is observed on this Puspuni. This is known as Chher-Chheraa. The word is derived from two Sambalpuri words, Chere and Charaa. Chere-Charaa means "grains for the birds" – a small part of your produce for the unattended lives upon this earth!On this day the little boys and girls move round the village from door to door and collect Chher-Chheraa, a handful of grains from every household. With this they prepare food and feast away from home. Dance and music is an integral part of children's Chher-Chheraa. Chher Chheraa is also given away to the poor families who do not own agricultural land and or depend upon the farmers. Thus, Chher-Chheraa symbolises a concern for the non-producing members of the society.