Subha Khunta and Dharma Jhanda in Berhampur Thakurnai Yatra

Construction of temporary abode

 

During Berhampur Thakurani Yatra, Subha Khunta and Dharma Jhanda are erected at the site of the temporary abode of the Goddess as per traditional norms.

Subha Khunta being taken from Bada Thakurani Tample

The temporary abode of the Goddess is constructed in front of the residence of Desi Behera on the public road. Though there is a Peetha (place of worship) for the Goddess inside the residence of Desi Behera, the Ghata (earthen pot carrying a garland of flowers as symbol of Goddess presence) is worshiped in the temporary abode for convenience of the visiting devotees.

Dharma Jhanda at Yatra site

The abode for Yatra 2013 was constructed by 15 carpenters and labourers who worked for over two weeks. Traditionally a particular carpenter family supervises the construction and 5 members of the family participated this year. It is built with casuarina logs collected from nearby Chatrapur and bamboo. The floor of the Mandap (abode) is about 1.5 feet height from the ground while the Pindi (elevation) for placing Ghats is 3 feet height from the floor and 15 feet long. The Mandap is covered by a roof that is created with 22 numbers of casuarina logs at a height of 11 feet. The Mandap is covered with walls from three sides made of brick and mortar up to 6 feet height from the ground and the rest 5 feet covered with bamboo net. The adjoining Chamundia (temporary hall) is 34 feet long and 18 feet wide. It is constructed with 12 casuarina logs with a roof at height of 13 feet from the ground. The walls are covered with bamboo nets and the roof is made of coconut leaves.

Subha Khunta (Holy Pillar) is fixed in front of Desi Behera’s residence at the Goddess’s temporary abode at the time of announcement of the Yatra dates. Fixing the Subha Khunta is the first step in organising the Yatra and certain rituals are performed for the occasion. Once the dates for Yatra is finalised consulting the Panji (Holy Calendar) and after administrative approval is obtained, Jhami Pujari (a priest) of Aga Street is requested by Desi Behera to prepare the Subha Khunta. It is a bamboo stick of 9 feet height with 9 joints. Jhami Pujari family hereditarily supply Deepa Balita (cotton buds for lamps) to Jaganath Temple and also prepare Subha Khunta for Yatra. They are traditional cotton weavers in the Dera settlement.

After collecting a suitable bamboo from Bauri Street and painting the Subha Khunta with Geru (red mud) Jhami Pujari  performs Puja (worship) at his own residence and afterwards takes it to Desi Behera’s residence by 10 PM in a pre-scheduled date. Again Puja is performed at Desi Behera’s residence and the Subha Khunta is taken to Bada Thakurani Temple in a procession along with the large crowd gathered outside the residence of Desi Behera to finalize the dates for Yatra in a public meeting. Invitation for the Yatra is extended by Desi Behera to Bada Thakurani and as a symbolic agreement after obtaining a garland of Mandar (a red-coloured flower, favourite of the Goddess) the Subha Khunta is taken back to residence of Desi Behera to be fixed at the ground.

Like Subha Khunta, another pillar Dharma Jhanda (Holy Flag) is fixed at the site of the temporary abode of Goddess. Dharma Jhanda is a long log which carries a red and a black flag along with a Neem branch at the top.

On the fourth day of Goddess’s journey to the temporary abode invitation is extended for Dharma Jhanda to a Senapati of Dera community living at Kamalbari Street. On the fifth day of Yatra Dharma Jhanda is brought in a procession to the temporary abode and after performing Puja it is fixed in front of it. Devotees worship Dharma Jhanda before entering the temporary abode to worship Goddess. Women devotees pour Haladi Pani (water mixed with turmeric) at the Dharma Jhanda. It is believed that Dharma Jhanda, which flies at a height, creates a religious atmosphere in the locality. It is only after fixing of the Dharma Jhanda, devotees takes of Beshas (role play) and construction of Rathas, Kalakunjas starts. 

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Laxmi Bej (1 & 2), Srinivas (3)