Marking the transition from Ashwina to Kartika, Kumara Purnima is a vibrant celebration observed by unmarried girls across Odisha. Donning new attire at sunrise, young women offer puffed rice and fruits to the Sun God in a ritual known as Anjuli Teka.
As evening falls, anticipation peaks for the rising moon. The festivities center around Chandra Puja, featuring sacred offerings of Chandra Chakata and Munda Pitha. While North-Eastern Odisha observes a five-day sattvic preparation, parts of Southern and Western Odisha celebrate it as Jahni Osha, dedicating a full month to the strict observance.
Though regional customs vary—ranging from a five-day devotion to a month-long vow—the core purpose remains the same. Rooted in folklore, young girls perform these rituals to seek a compatible life partner and pray for the well-being of their brothers. Concurrently, this auspicious full moon day also heralds the beginning of Goddess Gajalakshmi worship across households, keeping Odisha's rich cultural heritage alive.