Odisha celebrates Rasa Purnima as a regional holiday. Traditionally, it has been celebrated on the full moon of the Hindu calendar month of Kartik, which corresponds to the month of November in the Gregorian calendar. The celebration is timed so that it falls on both Sri Guru Nanak’s birthday and the Jain light festival.
Both Hindus and Jains hold this Purnima (full moon) in the highest regard. The clearer, darker sky that results from the conclusion of the monsoon season gives the moon a more pronounced appearance.
Rasa Purnima 2023 Date
Monday, 27 November 2023
This day celebrates Lord Shiva’s triumph over the three demons Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha, and Viryavana. After defeating the gods and founding the three cities of Tripura, the demons seized dominion over Earth.
Using a single arrow, Lord Shiva slew the demons on this date. A celebration of light, also called Dev-Diwali, was instituted after this act of devotion was witnessed by the gods (Diwali for the gods.)
The temples of the Hindu god Jagannath also place a high value on Rash Purnima. The Puri Jagannath Temple celebrates the day with special ceremonies.
It is on this day that Krishna, according to devotees of the god, danced the celestial love dance known as Rasa Lila. In the Hindu scriptures, Krishna dances the Raas Leela with the goddess Radha. Miniature boats constructed from the banana stem are launched into the water as part of the Purnima festivities in Odisha.
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