In the heart of Odisha, the town of Jeypore transforms during Dussehra. It becomes the stage for a unique and powerful ritual known as Lathi Puja. This festival weaves together royal heritage, tribal devotion, and vibrant culture into a spectacular celebration of faith. 
Unlike typical Dussehra observations, the focus in Jeypore is on Maa Bhagabati, the presiding deity. She is worshipped not alone, but in the company of countless village deities that arrive in the form of sacred bamboo sticks, or lathis.
The participating communities include the Bhumia, Gadaba, Paraja, Saura, Bhatra, and Kandha, among others. For these tribal communities, the journey is a profound act of devotion. The air fills with the raw energy of tribal drums, flutes, and chants as each group approaches the town. The musicians, playing instruments like the mahuri (a metal trumpet) and nagara (a large drum), are highly respected for preserving these ancient generational melodies.
A distinctive feature of Jeypore's celebration is the presence of Bhairav, believed to be the divine consort of Maa Bhagabati . He is brought with equal reverence from Jamunda. In a special midnight ritual, Bhairav and Bhagabati are symbolically united, highlighting a divine partnership that is central to the local spiritual imagination.
Although the royal patronage ended with the abolition of the zamindari system, the spirit of the festival continues. The sacred bamboos remain central, and efforts are ongoing to revive the festival's grandeur, ensuring this unique cultural heritage survives.
In conclusion, the Lathi Puja of Jeypore is a remarkable festival where tribal beliefs and Hindu rituals converge. It is a living proof that devotion can be a journey, a procession, a dance, and, above all, a collective celebration of faith that has stood the test of time.
Unlike typical Dussehra observations, the focus in Jeypore is on Maa Bhagabati, the presiding deity. She is worshipped not alone, but in the company of countless village deities that arrive in the form of sacred bamboo sticks, or lathis.
A Ritual of Sacred Invitations
The Lathi Puja ceremony begins on Mulastami, the eighth lunar day. The starting signal is the arrival of a ceremonial garland, the Ajna Mala, at the Maa Bhagabati temple. This garland symbolizes the formal start of invitations. It calls out to nearly 60 Devi shrines across the regions of Koraput, Umarkote, Nandapur, and Raighar. This is more than a simple invitation; it is a call of kinship, asking distant goddesses to join their sister in Jeypore.The Pilgrimage of Faith and the Sacred Sticks
In response to the call, devotees from over 60 tribal groups embark on long journeys by foot to Jeypore. They carry their sacred lathis, which are bamboo sticks that embody their village deities. These sacred sticks are kept in village altars all year to ensure prosperity and form the core of the Dussehra ceremonies.The participating communities include the Bhumia, Gadaba, Paraja, Saura, Bhatra, and Kandha, among others. For these tribal communities, the journey is a profound act of devotion. The air fills with the raw energy of tribal drums, flutes, and chants as each group approaches the town. The musicians, playing instruments like the mahuri (a metal trumpet) and nagara (a large drum), are highly respected for preserving these ancient generational melodies.
The Grand Celebration in Jeypore
On the main day, Dashami, the sacred lathis from all the villages converge at the Maa Bhagabati temple. A dazzling procession, known as the Patuara, then carries these sacred objects to the Dussehra ground. There, rituals like the Aparajita Puja are performed, where the lathis are worshipped as living goddesses with offerings of flowers, incense, and traditional sacrifices.A distinctive feature of Jeypore's celebration is the presence of Bhairav, believed to be the divine consort of Maa Bhagabati . He is brought with equal reverence from Jamunda. In a special midnight ritual, Bhairav and Bhagabati are symbolically united, highlighting a divine partnership that is central to the local spiritual imagination.
A Deep-Rooted Royal and Tribal Legacy
The Jeypore Dussehra is not just a religious event but a living historical tradition. It dates back over 300 years to the reign of the Jeypore kings, who once patronized these rituals. Historically, the king would lead the festivities, which were once a 16-day extravaganza rivaling the fame of the Mysore Dussehra. Village headmen, acting as priests, would offer revenues and gifts to the king during the festival, reinforcing a unique political and social bond.Although the royal patronage ended with the abolition of the zamindari system, the spirit of the festival continues. The sacred bamboos remain central, and efforts are ongoing to revive the festival's grandeur, ensuring this unique cultural heritage survives.
A Cultural Carnival of Unity
Beyond the rituals, Lathi Puja is a cultural explosion. More than 100 villages participate, lighting up Jeypore with traditional attire, dance, and music. The Dussehra ground becomes a melting pot where diverse communities showcase their unique traditions while finding a shared identity in their devotion to the goddess. This festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity in diversity, bringing together various tribes and castes in a common act of worship.In conclusion, the Lathi Puja of Jeypore is a remarkable festival where tribal beliefs and Hindu rituals converge. It is a living proof that devotion can be a journey, a procession, a dance, and, above all, a collective celebration of faith that has stood the test of time.
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