Bakula Amavasya, or Bakula Amabasya, is observed during the Posh Amavasya in Odisha and is dedicated to the Mango trees. Bakula Amavasya 2025 date is December 20 (as per offical calendar of Puri Jagannath temple). Amavas, or Amavasya is the no moon day and Bakula falls in the Paush month (December – January). The day is also known as Baula Amavasya (also known as Bakula Lagi Amavasya) is a traditional farming-based festival celebrated across Odisha. It marks a special day where the bond between nature, agriculture, and spirituality is honored.
It is the time when mango tree begins to flower across Odisha, and the trees are covered with the flowers. Mango trees are worshipped on this day, strung with garlands and Odia pithas are offered to the trees.
Bakeel or mango blossoms are cooked like pistak, and offered to deities in the temples.
Special food is prepared on the day and is offered in temples. The food is also offered to Mango trees. The ritual is performed to get more mangos during the ensuing mango season.
Shradh is performed on the day - in eastern parts of India.
Key Traditions and Rituals In Odisha On Bakula Amavasya
Offerings to Lord Jagannath: In Puri and temples throughout the state, a special ritual is performed where fresh mango blossoms (baula) are offered to Bhagavan Jagannath.
A Farmer's Prayer: Farmers lead the celebrations, believing that by offering these blossoms to the deities, they will be blessed with a bountiful mango harvest in the coming season.
Sacred Delicacies: Odia households prepare traditional sweets such as Khira Gaintha and Dhala Manda Pitha. To sanctify the food, a few mango flowers are mixed into the batter or garnish before being offered to the home deities.
Blessing the Trees: In a beautiful gesture of gratitude, the prepared prasad (blessed food) is also offered directly to the mango trees in the family orchards to ensure their productivity.