(6 December 2025 at Shri Jagannath Mandir, Thyagraj Nagar, Delhi · 6:30 PM)
Festivals rooted in ancient tradition carry a power that connects generations. One such beautiful and spiritually uplifting festival is Bata Osha, celebrated widely in Odisha and among Odia communities across India. This year, Shri Jagannath Mandir, Thyagraj Nagar, Delhi, will celebrate Bata Osha on 6 December 2025, inviting all devotees to participate in this auspicious and heartfelt ritual.
Though Delhi is a busy metropolitan city, the Jagannath Temple at Thyagraj Nagar preserves the essence of Odia culture with purity, devotion, and tradition. On the evening of Bata Osha, the temple will shine with lamps, devotional songs, and divine blessings as devotees gather to perform vrat, offer prayers, and seek the protection and grace of Mahaprabhu Jagannath.
🌿 What is Bata Osha?
“Bata Osha” is an ancient Odia festival rooted in divine feminine energy and prayers for protection, prosperity, and well-being. The word “Bata” refers to “banyan tree” (ବଟ ଗଛ), and “Osha” means “a special vow or fast”. Traditionally, women observe this fast under the banyan tree, offering prayers to Maa Bata Mangala, Maa Durga, and Lord Jagannath.
In Odia households, the festival is believed to bring safety during travel, good health, family unity, and long life for children. Mothers especially celebrate this Osha with great devotion in hopes of securing a bright, healthy, and prosperous future for their families.
In the Odia language, the essence of this Osha is beautifully expressed as:
“ବଟ ଓଷା କରିଲେ ଭଗବାନଙ୍କ କୃପା ପ୍ରାପ୍ତି, ପରିବାରେ ସୁଖ-ଶାନ୍ତି ଓ ରକ୍ଷା ଭଳିଆ ଭଳିଆ ମିଳେ।”
(Performing Bata Osha invites divine blessings, peace, protection, and prosperity into the family.)
🌸 Why Do We Celebrate Bata Osha?
The significance of Bata Osha comes from various tales and folklore of Odisha. One of the most popular stories is of a mother who sincerely observed the Osha to save her son from danger during a long and difficult journey. Her devotion moved the divine powers, and her child returned safely.
Because of this belief, Bata Osha is considered a protective festival, especially for:
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Children
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Travelers
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Family members who live away from home
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Husbands and elders
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Anyone needing divine protection and strength
It is also believed that performing Bata Osha strengthens one’s courage, patience, and determination.
Symbolically, the banyan tree represents long life, stability, and strong roots. By performing Osha under its shade (or at a temple where the ritual is arranged), devotees pray for a stable life blessed with purpose and spiritual growth.
🌼 Rituals Performed During Bata Osha
The rituals are simple, beautiful, and deeply meaningful. At Shri Jagannath Mandir, Thyagraj Nagar, all arrangements will be made so devotees can perform the Osha comfortably and traditionally.
1. Fasting (Osha Brata)
Devotees observe a day-long fast or eat only fruits (phalahar).
This fasting is believed to cleanse the mind and bring inner strength.
2. Drawing “Jhoti” or “Chita”
Women create traditional Odia patterns using rice paste (pithau).
These sacred motifs invite divine energy into the home and temple.
3. Bata Osha Story (Osha Kahani) Recitation
The Osha story is recited collectively.
This reinforces the values of devotion, perseverance, and divine protection.
4. Offering (Bhoga & Puja Items)
Items that may be offered include:
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Fruits
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Rice
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Coconut
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Arua chaula
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Manda pitha / kakara pitha
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Lamps (Dipa)
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Sacred thread
5. Lighting the Sacred Lamp
The lighting of the lamp symbolizes the removal of darkness and fear from life.
6. Prayer to Lord Jagannath
Though Osha is traditionally connected to Maa Bata Mangala, in Odia tradition, Lord Jagannath is the ultimate savior and protector.
Therefore, devotees seek blessings directly from Mahaprabhu.
In Odia, devotees often pray:
“ହେ ଜଗନ୍ନାଥ, ଆମ ପରିବାରର ରକ୍ଷା କରନ୍ତୁ, ଶାନ୍ତି ଓ ସମୃଦ୍ଧି ଦିଅନ୍ତୁ।”
(O Lord Jagannath, protect our family and bless us with peace and prosperity.)
✨ Cultural Beauty of Bata Osha at Thyagraj Nagar Jagannath Mandir
The temple environment during the festival becomes filled with:
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The fragrance of incense
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Decorated lamps
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Traditional Odia music and bhajans
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Women performing rituals together
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Children enjoying cultural performances
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Priests chanting sacred mantras
The entire space transforms into a small Odisha within Delhi, bringing together families, communities, and devotees who love Jagannath culture.
The presence of Mahaprabhu Jagannath adds divine energy to the celebration, making it even more spiritual and vibrant.
🙏 Invitation to All Devotees
Shri Jagannath Mandir, Thyagraj Nagar, New Delhi, warmly invites all devotees, families, and children to come together and celebrate Bata Osha on 6 December 2025 (Saturday).
📍 Venue: Shri Jagannath Mandir, Thyagraj Nagar, Delhi
🕢 Time: 6:30 PM onwards
This is not just a festival — it is a celebration of motherhood, protection, culture, devotion, and togetherness.
Come with your families.
Come with your children.
Come with a heart full of devotion.
Let us all pray for protection, prosperity, and divine blessings from Mahaprabhu Jagannath.
