6 Things that come as Bonus with Dussehra in Odisha

Here are 6 experiences that come with every Dussehra in Odisha.

1. Discounts (Free! Free! Free!)

You name it, and they have it: a discounted price tag on anything you put a finger on. It’s actually the best time in all our lives. And adding a free gift to a purchase is the cherry on the cake.

 

2. A long holiday

The rest of the country does not enjoy this tradition of holidays because of festivals, as much as we, Odias do. According to an old saying in Odia, we have 13 festivals in 12 months. Every month we celebrate one thing or the other. Hence, an extended weekend or a long holiday.

 

3. Guests

Relatives and friends crowd homes like never before. Get-togethers and getaways are organized. Private space goes for a toss and the entire household turns into Baramunda Bus Stand.

 

4. Competition between Puja Committees

With so many grand puja pandals with varying themes (From the controversial Sarathi Baba theme to the grand Baahubali theme) mushrooming all over the state, competition is stiff between all the organizers and puja committee members. During idol immersions, police remain on their toes to maintain law and order situation.

 

5. Display of Wealth

The unabashed display of gold and silver in puja pandals or on people, makes one wonder if we are richest state in the country.

 

6. Crazy Dandiya Nights

And adding to the newest of trends, we have dandiya nights every night across the state. Everybody gets decked up and dances to the tunes of various Bollywood and Odia songs with dandiya sticks. It does not matter what the steps are (you can do a ‘baraat dance’ too). As long as everybody has fun. And inevitably, the more the merrier.