Durga Puja in Orissa
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Durga Puja originated in Bengal and is the chief festival of Bengali Hindus. The festival has gained widespread popularity in the state of Orissa which borders West Bengal. Orissa was previously a part of the Bengal Presidency. The festival is organised on a large scale by Oriyas in Orissa.
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[edit] History of Durga Puja in Orissa
Various accounts exist which ascribe the origin of Durga Puja in the state of Orissa. All historical accounts agree on the influence from Bengal although some mythological accounts describe an independent origin. Maa Tarini and Devi Biraja are worshipped in various parts of Orissa. The autumnal or Sharadiya ceremony started in different parts of the state at different times. Although the dates are the same, the traditions differ.
[edit] Cuttack
The city of Cuttack is the socio-cultural center of the state. The earliest puja was reportedly held in the Kazi Bajaar area of the city in 1832 by some Bengali families who were working for the East India Company. The local people participated in the festivities enthusiastically. However due to differences which cropped up later, the Oriyas decided to organise the Puja on their own.
A still earlier version holds that Chaitanya Deb Mahaprabhu started the Pujas in 1505 AD when he visited Cuttack on his way to Puri to the temple of Lord Jagannath. Even though this may be true, the autumnal ceremony or "Akaal Bodhon" as they are celebrated now is a much recent invention and is not codified in ancient Hindu scriptures.
[edit] Balasore
The Kar family settled in Balasore in the 1770s. They originally hailed from South Bengal. In 1852, Shram Chandra Kar celebrated the first Durga Puja in the town. Durga Puja is now celebrated in many parts of the city of Balasore. The Kar family still celebrates the Puja every year making it the oldest family puja in the state.
[edit] Bhadrak
Bhadrak is the seat of Devi Biraja, one of the manifestations of Shakti. Durga Puja is linked to ancient rituals connected with the Goddess although the autumnal ceremony started recently.
what about berhampur ?
