Samba Dashami 2024: Odisha’s Unique Festival Honoring the Sun God

Samba Dashami is a unique festival celebrated in Odisha on the tenth day of Shukla Paksha in Pausa Masa, according to the Odia calendar. Dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, this day is believed to have the power to heal diseases. Elderly women observe this festival, offering prayers to keep their children healthy.

Mothers, especially, worship Surya on this day for the welfare of their children. A tradition involves offering specific items to Surya for each child in the family on the first Samba Dashami after their birth, colloquially known as badhā-kudhā.

The festival involves the Sun God being invoked three times – in the morning, mid-day, and evening. In the evening or late night, another puja called Mahakala puja is observed, where offerings such as Budha chakuli and ghadghadia tarkari are made to Yama for the well-being of the family.

The significance of Samba Dashami revolves around Samba, Krishna’s son, who, after teasing Sage Narada and being cursed with leprosy, prayed to the Sun God for a cure. Following twelve years of penance near the Sun Temple Konark, Samba’s leprosy was cured on Shukla Paksha Dashami, giving rise to the tradition of observing Samba Dashami in every Odia family.

During Samba Dashami, a variety of food items are offered to the Sun God, including Khechudi, Puri, Ghanta Tarkari, Chhena Poda, Chakuli Pitha, Bara, Rasagola, Gulab jamun, Jilapi, Pitha (Kakara Pitha, Poda Pitha, and Arisha Pitha), Makar Chaula, Chhenaguda, Dhanu Muaan, Chhenagaja and many other things as well.

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