Jay Jagannath �, Jagannath Puri Temple, Odisha Dhanu Muan and Pahili Bhoga T.K.V. Karuna [email protected] Dhanu Sankranti is celebrated on the first day of Pahili Bhoga: lunar Pousha month. The month of Pousha is First Food offered is early in the morning. It is a considered the month of plenty. After collecting the delicious Khechedi preparation. The episode runs harvest there is a festival of general rejoicing with that as Mahalaxmi, the divine consort moves to her special sweets of ‘Muan’(a traditional sweet dish) father’s house, Yosoda, the mother of Lord herself which is offered to Lord Jagannath in puja. In the prepare this delicious Khechedi to the utmost month of Dhanu Sankranti, Gopal Ballav Bhog is satisfaction of her son. offered along with Pahali Bhog (the first offering). As the celestial sun enters Sagittarius, the people of The Pahili Bhog is the traditional morning offering to Odisha observe Dhanu Sankranti with much joy and the Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Goddess gaiety. “Around 27 types of delicacies comprising of Subadhra (famously known as the Trinity) which different pithas are prepared for the Pahili Bhog. continues from the Dhanu Sankranti to Makara Dhanu Muan, a special sweet made of sweetened Sankranti as per the Odia almanac. rice flakes is a main attraction for the devotees who Dhanu Muan and Pahili Bhoga are alse offered at flock to the temple for the bhog. This offering Kantilo & Godess Mangala at Kakatpur. continues for about a month till Makar Sankranti (January 14-15). Gopal Vallabh Bhog: The offering is the first one of the daily Prasad to During this period, the people refrain from anything Lord Jagannath. The Bhogs are offered at the auspicious like marriages, engagements, thread Anabsar Pindi. Breakfast is a seven item treat – ceremonies, etc. World famous biggest open-air Khoya, Lahuni (butter), sweetened coconut grating, theatre Dhanu Jatra is held during this period in coconut water, and popcorn sweetened with sugar Odisha’s Bargarh City. The 11-day long Jatra known as khai and curd and ripe bananas. showcases scenes from Lord Krishna’s birth to the death of the demon king Kansa. Metaphorically, Bargarh becomes Mathura during this festival and river Jeera represents river Yamuna. A TO Z INDIA ● OCTOBER 2021 ● PAGE 19