In the heart of Odisha's vibrant cultural tapestry lies a beautiful and profound festival that transcends mere ritual—it embodies a mother's deepest prayers for her family. This festival is Dwitiya Osha, also known as Dutibahana Osha. It is a day marked not by grand public celebrations, but by the quiet, powerful observances of women, their fasting, and their unwavering faith in divine protection against untimely sorrow. 
Dwitiya Osha 2025: A Mother's Fast for Children's Long Life


This article delves into the rich mythology, intricate rituals, and profound significance of this unique Odia tradition, exploring why it remains a cornerstone of familial love and spiritual practice.

The Legend: Satyavan and Savitri's Timeless Tale

The soul of Dwitiya Osha beats to the rhythm of an ancient legend from the Mahabharata—the story of Savitri and Satyavan. According to the myth, the deity of death, Yama, himself arrived to claim the soul of Satyavan on his destined day. His devoted wife, Savitri, followed Yama, engaging him in a discourse of such wisdom and devotion that the mighty Dharma Raja was deeply impressed.
Pleased with her unwavering dedication, Yama granted her several boons, the most crucial being the restoration of her husband's life. Savitri, through her courage and piety, successfully brought Satyavan back from the clutches of death and was also blessed with motherhood.
This powerful narrative forms the bedrock of Dwitiya Osha. It symbolizes the ultimate victory of devotion over destiny and a wife's power to safeguard her husband's life. Women observe this vrat (fast) seeking the same divine blessings—to protect their families from akala mrutyu (untimely death), disease, sorrow, and suffering. The core desire is for a long, healthy, and prosperous life for one's husband and children.

When is Dwitiya Osha Celebrated?

The timing of the festival is specific. It falls on the Ashtami tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Ashwin (September-October). This day often coincides with Mula Ashtami, further deepening its astrological significance.

The Rituals: A Tapestry of Faith and Tradition

The observance of Dwitiya Osha is a two-day affair, beginning on Saptami (the seventh day) and culminating on Ashtami. 
Dwitiya Osha 2025: A Mother's Fast for Children's Long Life


Day 1: Saptami (The Preparations)

  • On the evening of Saptami, women take a purifying bath.
  • They offer prayers to Maa Ganga (the Goddess Ganges), presenting naivedya of kheer (rice pudding), pithas (rice cakes), and mixed vegetables. Notably, the use of Leutia sag (a type of leafy green) is prohibited in this offering.
  • Following this, a special offering is made to Dutibahana (Yama).
  • A unique ritual involves cleaning a spot by a riverbank or pond. Here, women create images of a vulture (chil) and a jackal (shial) from sand. These animals, often associated with death, are symbolically appeased and worshipped first with an Apamarga plant, followed by incense and lamps. This act represents the pacification of the causes of untimely death.

Day 2: Ashtami (The Main Observance)

  • Women wake up early and observe a nirjala upavas—a strict fast without even water.
  • They first visit the riverbank to pay homage to the sand images created the previous day.
  • The central ritual involves constructing a small, symbolic shrine (kothi) on a purified ground. This shrine, about 2x2 feet, is adorned with a Tulsi plant and a banana sapling.
  • Inside the kothi, a beautiful image of the Sun God, Surya Dev, is drawn using multi-colored rice powders (muruja). Images of the vulture and jackal are placed to the north, and Yama (Dutibahana) is placed to the west.
  • The kothi is filled with offerings like betel nuts and cowries.
  • The most significant offering is the Ghanta Tarkari. Twenty-one types of seasonal vegetables, fruits, pulses, and roots are collected in a large, flat basket (changudi), covered with a new cloth, and placed before the deities.
  • After the elaborate puja, the fast is broken by consuming prasad and the Ghanta Tarkari.

The Sacred Feast: Ghanta Tarkari

The Ghanta Tarkari is far more than just a mixed vegetable curry; it is the culinary heart of the festival. It is a potent symbol of community, health, and abundance. This delicious dish is prepared by combining a wide variety of seasonal produce, such as:
  • Vegetables: Pumpkin, raw banana, yam, brinjal, sweet potato, parwal, beans, and carrots.
  • Pulses: Green gram (mug)
  • Other: Coconut, and sometimes even crab.
This mix represents the bounty of nature. After being offered to the gods, this nutritious meal is shared with family, friends, and neighbors. It promotes the idea of consuming a diverse range of seasonal vegetables for robust health, making the festival a celebration of holistic well-being.

Dwitiya Osha in the Jagannath Temple, Puri

The festival is so deeply ingrained in Odia culture that it is also observed within the sacred precincts of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. It is believed that Maa Lakshmi (Shree Devi) herself observes this vrat for the well-being of Lord Jagannath.
On this day, after the evening rituals, the idol of Shree Devi is brought in a palanquin from the main temple to the Lakshmi Temple. There, special rituals are performed. A priest narrates the Lakshmi Brata Katha (the story of the vow) to her, followed by bhog (food offering) and arati. This official recognition elevates the festival's status, linking it directly to the state's most revered deities.

Health and Spiritual Guidelines for Observance

While the fast is undertaken with devotion, it is essential to prioritize health and spiritual purity. Here are some key guidelines:
  • Health First: Women with serious health conditions, pregnant women, or those who are ill should avoid the rigorous nirjala upavas. Their devotion is no less valuable if they modify the fast for their well-being.
  • Sattvic Diet Before Fast: The day before the fast, observers should maintain a sattvic (pure) diet, avoiding onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.
  • Avoid Heat and Exertion: As one is abstaining from water, it is advised to stay indoors in a cool place and avoid strenuous physical activity to prevent dehydration and fatigue.
  • Maintain Composure: A vrat is as much about mental discipline as physical abstinence. Observers should strive for purity in thought, word, and deed, avoiding anger, criticism, and negative speech throughout the day.

A Festival Beyond Gen  der

While primarily observed by married women for their husbands and sons, the festival's essence is universal. In many parts of Western Odisha, brothers also observe a fast called Jauntia Brata on this day for the longevity and happiness of their sisters. This expands the festival's scope, making it a powerful expression of familial love and protection across genders.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of a Mother's Prayer

Dwitiya Osha is a magnificent blend of powerful mythology, deep-rooted ritual, and profound social message. It is a testament to the spiritual strength of women and the timeless Odia values of family, health, and community. The ritual of sharing the Ghanta Tarkari reinforces the importance of a nutritious diet and collective well-being.
More than just a religious obligation, it is a sacred promise—a mother's heartfelt prayer woven into the very fabric of Odia culture, ensuring that the legacy of Savitri's devotion continues to protect and nurture families for generations to come.