Jahni Osha & Bali Osha Pujas

Jahni Osha & Bali Osha Pujas

By Lokanath Mishra

With the arrival of the month of Bhadraba and the passing of Bhadra Amavasya (Bhoda), one festival after another begins. Among these, Khudurukuni Osha is observed by unmarried girls on every Sunday of Bhadraba, praying to Goddess Sarba Mangala for the long life of their brothers. Soon after, with the beginning of Ashwina month, until Kumar Purnima, girls also observe the Jahni Osha Vrata.

In Ganjam district, young maidens can be seen actively performing this ritual with great devotion. During the entire month, they refrain from eating non-vegetarian food, onions, and garlic. Similarly, in Puri, the young daughters of the Sevayats (servitors of Lord Jagannath), called Neta Pilas, observe a similar ritual called Bali Osha, in the same way as Jahni Osha.

Jahni Osha Vrata

• Period: From Bhadraba Purnima to Ashwina Purnima
• Who observes: Unmarried girls

The ritual begins on the first day of Ashwina and continues until Kumar Purnima. Each afternoon, after the Jahni flower blooms, girls collect the flowers and worship Vrindavati at the base of the Tulsi plant. Offerings include puffed rice (lia), sugarcane, bananas, cucumbers, and other fruits.

The girls decorate a small altar with flowers, place a sacred pot (kalash), and read the Jahni Osha scripture. Songs, hymns, and playful games like Puchi and Daudidia are also part of the ritual, which makes it both devotional and recreational. It is believed that observing this vrata grants freedom from leprosy, ensures offspring, and brings overall prosperity.

If a girl cannot perform the ritual for the entire month, she may still observe it for 15 days or even 5 days before Kumar Purnima.

Legends of Jahni Osha

The main scripture associated with this ritual is “Jahni Osha Katha” written by Dinakrishna Das, divided into five cantos. Each canto narrates a legend from different regions — Maharashtra, Odra (Odisha), Karnataka, Virat Desh, and Saurashtra — explaining the significance, procedures, and benefits of the ritual.
1. Maharashtra Legend: A woman named Jambuvati mocked the ritual, saying girls observed it only to eat puffed rice. Goddess Vrindavati grew angry, and her son was bitten by a snake. Only after sincere prayers and promises did the goddess restore his life.
2. Odisha Legend: A pious woman, Sukanti, had a daughter, Radhiki, who suffered from leprosy. Upon learning that Jahni Osha could cure the disease, she vowed to observe it. Later, when she neglected it, her five sons mysteriously disappeared. Vrindavati appeared in a dream and demanded offerings. Once Radhiki performed the ritual, her brothers were restored.
3. Karnataka Legend: A girl persuaded her mother, Priyavati, to arrange offerings so she could observe the ritual. The mother happily supported her, and the ritual brought prosperity to the family.
4. Virat Desh Legend: Padmavati, wife of Dhaneswar, forbade her daughters from observing Jahni Osha. Vrindavati appeared in her dream and warned that if the daughters did not perform the ritual, their only brother would die within a week. Padmavati immediately allowed them to observe the vrata, thus saving her son.
5. Saurashtra Legend: Plucking Jahni flowers was forbidden, but the princess disobeyed. As a result, her hands became crippled. In despair, her mother prayed, and Goddess Vrindavati, disguised as a poor Brahmin woman, provided medicine and instructed them to perform Jahni Osha. The girl’s hands were healed after worship.

Songs of Jahni Osha

During the evenings, girls sing traditional songs while offering Jahni flowers to the goddess. These folk songs describe devotion, playful requests for rice, and blessings for brothers’ longevity.

Bali Osha in Puri

Similar to Jahni Osha, Bali Osha is performed by the young daughters of Jagannath temple servitors near Markanda Pushkarini (holy tank). It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The girls pray for good husbands and observe rituals with songs specific to Bali Osha.

A unique feature here is the “Neta Pila” tradition, where young girls lead the rituals and celebrations, making Bali Osha an important cultural highlight of Puri.