With Sharadiya Navratri beginning today, confusion has emerged over the date of Dasahara celebrations in Odisha this year. While some traditional calendars mention October 20 as the date for Dasahara at Shakti Peethas, the Shree Jagannath Temple calendar lists Vijaya Dashami and Dasahara on October 21, raising questions among devotees.
Astrologer and almanac expert Harishankar Mishra has clarified the reason behind the difference, explaining that the dates vary according to the rituals and traditions followed at different religious institutions.
According to Mishra, Dasahara will be observed at Shakti Peethas on October 20. He explained that Goddess Bimala, worshipped at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, is regarded as the presiding deity of the sacred religious site. However, he said that the observance of Dasahara, particularly the traditional worship of weapons, is associated with Goddess Bimala rather than the rituals of the main temple.
Mishra stated that Maha Saptami will be observed on October 17, Maha Ashtami on October 18, Maha Navami on October 19, and Dasahara on October 20. He added that auspicious activities associated with the festival can be performed on October 20 in accordance with established Odia customs and religious traditions.
He further explained that the October 21 observance is associated with the Bengali-style worship of clay idols. According to him, this practice is different from the traditional Odia method of observing the festival.
Mishra suggested that the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration could help prevent such confusion in the future by clearly distinguishing between Ayudha Puja and Vijaya Dashami in its religious calendar.
Meanwhile, scholar Pandit Padmanabha Tripathy Sharma also shared his views on the issue. He said that Saptami worship would begin on October 17, while Dashami would be observed at Shakti Peethas on October 20. In other places, Dasahara would be celebrated on October 21, he added.
The difference in dates has once again highlighted the variations in religious observances across regions and institutions. Devotees are advised to follow the rituals and timings prescribed by their respective temples and traditional almanacs.