Our India is known for its diverse festivals, each with its unique customs and traditions. Among them, Dola Purnima holds a special place in Odisha, West Bengal, and Assam, where it is celebrated with great devotion and joy. Falling on the full moon day of the Phalguna month which is March 14, 2025, this festival is dedicated to Lord Krishna in his Dolagovinda form. It marks the beginning of Holi celebrations in Eastern India, blending spirituality with festivity.
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Dola Purnima is deeply rooted in the Bhakti tradition, celebrating Lord Krishna’s divine love with Radha. The festival reflects themes of devotion, surrender, and the joyous bond between God and his devotees.
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According to the mythological stories, Krishna, along with Radha and the gopis, played Holi with colors and swung on beautifully decorated swings (Dola). Inspired by this legend, devotees take Krishna’s idol on a palanquin (Dola Bimana) in a grand procession, accompanied by bhajans and dance.
What are the celebrations that take place during Dola Purnima?
1. Rituals and Traditions
The festival starts five days before the full moon with Basanta Panchami, when deities from temples are brought out for special worship.
On Dola Purnima day, idols of Radha and Krishna are placed on an ornately decorated palanquin (Dola Bimana) and taken through the streets.
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Devotees offer Abira (colored powder) to the deities and apply it to each other as a mark of respect and festivity.
Kirtans and bhajans fill the air, creating a divine atmosphere.
In Jagannath temples, priests perform a special Chhera Pahanra ritual, where they ceremonially sweep the palanquin’s path, signifying humility.
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2. Dola Melas and Cultural Festivities
Dola Jatra is a grand fair organized in many places, featuring folk performances, Odissi dance, and traditional music.
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Villages and towns are decorated with colorful flags and rangoli, adding to the festive spirit.
Devotees exchange sweets and gifts, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.
3. Connection Between Dola Purnima and Holi
Dola Purnima is often seen as the Holi of Odisha. The tradition of applying gulal (colored powder) to the deities extends to the people, much like Holi celebrations in the rest of India. In some regions, Holi officially begins after Dola Purnima, marking a transition from devotion to playful festivity.
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Dola Purnima in Puri and Other Regions:
The celebration in Puri:
In Puri, the festival is celebrated on a grand scale. The idols of Madana Mohana, the representative deity of Lord Jagannath, along with Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati, are taken on a procession.
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The temple streets witness massive gatherings of devotees, singing and dancing in praise of the Lord.
Celebrations in Bengal and Assam:
In West Bengal, Dola Purnima is known as Dol Jatra, and it coincides with Shantiniketan’s Basanta Utsav, introduced by Rabindranath Tagore.
Source- https://www.indiatimes.com/
In Assam, it is celebrated by the Vaishnavite communities, particularly in Namghars and Satras associated with Srimanta Sankardeva’s traditions.
A Celebration of Faith and Unity:
To conclude, Dola Purnima is more than just a festival—it is a spiritual journey that celebrates love, devotion, and togetherness. Whether through processions, kirtans, or the playful exchange of colors, the festival strengthens the bond between devotees and the divine.
As Dola Purnima 2025 approaches, let’s embrace the spirit of Bhakti and Holi, immersing ourselves in the joy and devotion that this festival brings!
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