Odisha is observing Sudasa Brata today, a spiritually rich and culturally significant festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu deity of wealth, prosperity, and well-being. This ritual is exclusively observed by married Odia women and is deeply rooted in the state’s age-old traditions.

Sudasa Brata is a special vrata (ritual fast) that is celebrated only when a rare alignment occurs — when Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon), Thursday, and Dasami (the tenth day of the lunar fortnight) fall on the same day. This rare combination is considered highly auspicious and is believed to invoke divine blessings for prosperity, harmony, and longevity of family members. On this sacred day, married women observe a day-long fast and perform elaborate puja rituals in honor of Goddess Lakshmi. A key aspect of the tradition is the tying of ten sacred knots (dasati gunda) on a yellow thread. These knots symbolize ten different kinds of blessings, including good health, wealth, peace, protection, and family well-being.

Preparations for the ritual begin with thoroughly cleaning the house, as it is widely believed that Goddess Lakshmi dwells only in clean and sanctified spaces. After cleansing, women decorate their homes with Jhoti Chita, traditional white designs drawn with rice paste, which are both artistic and devotional in nature. These motifs reflect the richness of Odisha’s folk heritage and the devotion of its women. The puja is conducted in a sacred part of the home, where women place ten mounds of rice or food grains, each representing a wish or a divine aspect of prosperity. The ritual of tying the ten knots is performed while chanting Lakshmi mantras, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere in the household. The fast is broken in the evening after all the rituals are completed with sincerity and devotion.

The number ten holds deep spiritual symbolism in Sudasa Brata. The ten knots signify ten desires or blessings. The ten mounds of offerings represent fullness, abundance, and the completeness of devotion. The observance falling on Dasami, the tenth lunar day, further enhances the spiritual significance of the day. Sudasa Brata is a true reflection of Odisha’s cultural heritage, feminine strength, and belief in divine grace. It highlights the important role women play as custodians of tradition and nurturers of prosperity within the family.