Bhai Juintia: Day for sisters in W Orissa
The Pioneer, Sept 27, 2009
PNS | Balangir
If Rakshya Bandhan is a day for sisters in north India, sisters in western Orissa observe Bhai Juintia on the Astami day of the Durga Puja.
The sisters observe a total fast on this day wishing for long life and success of their brothers. In the evening, they visit the Juntia worship place and Durga deity. Their fast continues till next morning, on the Nabami.
Getting up early on the wee hours of Nabami, they take their bath and offer worship and while returning, collect Duba Chhuan, which they offer to their brothers.
In western Orissa, with the commencement of Durga Puja, every house is crowded with sisters and brothers, who arrive to observe the Bhai Juntia which is an annual occasion for a family get-together.
The main function, Juintia Puja is held in the evening, when sisters prepare Jugar, a typical item made from Lia, in the shape of a temple, with 108 duba grass, rice and many varieties of flowers, mostly locally grown.
This festival is observed with all its rituals, irrespective of caste and class.
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