Sudasa Brata is a traditional fasting ritual observed primarily by married Odia women in the Indian state of Odisha. It is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and is typically observed on Thursdays in the month of Bhadraba (August-September) according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

During Sudasa Brata, married women undertake a day-long fast and perform rituals to seek blessings for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. The word “Sudasa” originates from the Sanskrit words “Su” meaning good and “Dasa” meaning ten, signifying the ten vows or rituals associated with the observance of this brata (vow).

The rituals of Sudasa Brata typically begin early in the morning with women waking up before sunrise to purify themselves through bathing and wearing fresh clothes. They then create a sacred space in their homes adorned with rangoli (traditional floor art) and set up idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi. Offerings of fruits, sweets, and other delicacies are prepared as part of the day’s prasad (sanctified food).

Central to Sudasa Brata are the ten vows (Dasa Brata) that participants undertake throughout the day. These vows include:

Waking up before sunrise: Women start their day early to begin the rituals.
Observing cleanliness: Ensuring physical and spiritual cleanliness through bathing and wearing fresh clothes.
Observing the fast: Women abstain from eating and drinking until they complete the rituals in the evening.
Offering prayers: Invoking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi through prayers and hymns.
Reading scriptures: Reciting religious texts and verses dedicated to the goddess.
Making offerings: Presenting fruits, flowers, and other offerings to the goddess.
Listening to the Katha: Hearing stories and legends associated with Sudasa Brata and the significance of Goddess Lakshmi.
Meditation: Reflecting on the virtues of Goddess Lakshmi and seeking her divine grace.
Distributing prasad: Sharing the sanctified food with family members and other devotees.
Breaking the fast: The fast is concluded in the evening after offering prayers and seeking blessings from elders.

Throughout the day, women maintain a solemn demeanor and focus their thoughts on the well-being of their husbands and families. The observance of Sudasa Brata is not just a religious ritual but also a reaffirmation of marital vows and the importance of family harmony.

In Odisha, Sudasa Brata holds significant cultural and social importance, bringing together women in communities to observe and celebrate the virtues of Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that by faithfully observing Sudasa Brata, women can invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, happiness, and well-being in their households.

Overall, Sudasa Brata is a cherished tradition that continues to be passed down through generations, embodying the cultural and spiritual ethos of Odia women dedicated to the prosperity and happiness of their families.