Panchuka 2025 in Kartik Month in Odisha

Panchuka is the last five days of Kartik month in Odisha and people abstain from all types of non-vegetarian food during the period. Panchuka in 2025 begins on November 1 and ends on November 5. The period is of great significance to Lord Jagannath devotees. Traditionally, staunch devotees of Lord Jagannath abstain from all type of non-vegetarian foods during the entire Kartik month but those who are unable to follow it, observe it during the last five days of the month.

Panchuka begins on Ekadasi day during the Shukla Paksha in Kartik month and ends on Kartik Purnima. Panchuka is strictly observed by elderly men and women and many of them stay in Puri and visit the Jagannath shrine during the period.

The five-day period is also of great significance in Puri Jagannath Temple. Thousands of people who are observing Kartik Brata for the entire month gets an opportunity to have darshan of Lord Jagannath in five different veshas or attire during the period.

Garuda Dwadasi and Tulsi Puja are observed during the Panchuka.

Odisha Panchuka Rare Facts & Symbolism

• Strict Vegetarianism: Even non-vegetarians in Odisha abstain from eating fish, meat, and eggs during these five days—especially significant as fish is a staple in Odia cuisine.

• No Violence, No Harm: Symbolically, even plucking leaves (like Tulsi or flowers) is avoided by some devout followers during Panchuka as a mark of ahimsa (non-violence).

• Bird Protection: In rural Odisha, locals feed birds and animals during Panchuka. There is a deep-rooted belief that killing or harming any living creature during Panchuka will result in spiritual downfall.

• The ‘Boita Bandana’ Ritual: On the final day (Kartika Purnima), people float miniature boats (boitas) made of banana bark or thermocol in rivers or ponds — commemorating ancient maritime trade with Southeast Asia (especially Bali, Java, Sumatra). Know more about Boita Bandana ritual.

  • Symbolizes Odisha's Sadhabas (maritime traders) and their voyages across the sea.

• Panchuka and Jagannath Temple:

  • Lord Jagannath is believed to observe Panchuka in Puri by following a special dietary code (Anasara Niti).

  • The ‘Habisyalis’, mostly widows and older women, stay in Puri during the entire Kartika month or just Panchuka to perform religious rites.

• Habisyali Tradition: Devotees who follow the month-long Kartika Brata fast (or just Panchuka) are called ‘Habisyalis’, living on a single meal of plain food without salt or spices, symbolizing detachment and penance.

• Legend of Panchuka: According to Odia lore, a hunter who unknowingly killed animals throughout Kartika avoided killing during these five days and earned moksha (liberation) – symbolizing the redemptive power of Panchuka.

• The Five Days' Symbolism:

  • Each day is dedicated to a different name/form of Lord Vishnu (e.g., Ananta, Vasudeva).

  • The final day, Kartika Purnima, is believed to be the day Lord Vishnu awakened from cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra).

Panchuka Ritual Practices

• Lighting of earthen lamps every evening, especially in Tulsi chaura (Tulsi altar) — symbol of purity and spiritual awakening.

• Reading of Kartika Purana, especially tales of devotion, dharma, and Vishnu’s avatars.

• Mass participation of elderly women in Puri and other sacred towns following austere rituals.

 Cultural Significance

• Panchuka fosters a spirit of compassion, self-control, and spiritual reflection.

• Reinforces ancient Odia maritime glory through Boita Bandana and Bali Jatra.

• Promotes eco-friendly practices and awareness of animal rights and environmental ethics through symbolic non-violence.

Related

Different Beshas During Last Five Days Of Kartik Month In Puri Jagannath Temple

Habisha In Kartik Month In Odisha – Habisialis