Manabasa Gurubara — Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi
Manabasa Gurubara (ମାଣବସା ଗୁରୁବାର) is a beautiful month-long tradition in Odisha where women worship Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity) every Thursday of the month of Margashira (November-December).
What Does the Name Mean?
- ✦Manabasa — The month of Margashira (Manabasa in Odia)
- ✦Gurubara — Thursday (Gurubara in Odia)
So "Manabasa Gurubara" means "Thursdays of Margashira month."
The Tradition
Every Thursday during Margashira, women:
- ✦Wake up before dawn
- ✦Clean the house thoroughly
- ✦Create "Jhoti Chita" — Traditional rice paste floor art
- ✦Prepare special offerings
- ✦Read Lakshmi Purana — Sacred text about Goddess Lakshmi
"Manabasa Gurubara teaches that cleanliness, devotion, and humility invite divine blessings."
Jhoti Chita (Floor Art)
The most beautiful aspect is Jhoti Chita — intricate white designs painted on floors using rice paste:
- ✦Lotus flowers (Lakshmi's symbol)
- ✦Footprints (showing Lakshmi entering the home)
- ✦Geometric patterns
- ✦Rangoli-style designs
These designs are traditionally made at:
- ✦The entrance (tulasi chaura)
- ✦Inside the house
- ✦Near the worship area
Lakshmi Purana
A key ritual is reading the Lakshmi Purana, written by the 15th-century poet Balaram Das. The story teaches:
- ✦Lakshmi (prosperity) abandons those who mistreat the poor
- ✦She blesses those who show kindness to all
- ✦Pride leads to downfall; humility brings blessings
The text notably speaks against caste discrimination, as Lakshmi chooses to stay with a kind-hearted low-caste woman over a proud Brahmin.
The Offerings
Women prepare special offerings:
- ✦Maana (a measure of rice or grains)
- ✦Khai — Puffed rice
- ✦Chuda — Flattened rice
- ✦Fruits and sweets
- ✦Betel leaves and nuts
Why Thursday?
Thursday (Gurubara) is dedicated to Brihaspati (Jupiter), associated with wisdom and prosperity. Worshipping Lakshmi on this day is believed to be especially auspicious.
Cultural Significance
Manabasa Gurubara:
- ✦Empowers women — It's a women-centric tradition
- ✦Promotes cleanliness — Homes are thoroughly cleaned
- ✦Teaches values — Through Lakshmi Purana stories
- ✦Preserves art — Jhoti Chita tradition continues
Modern Practice
Today, young women learn:
- ✦Jhoti Chita from mothers and grandmothers
- ✦Lakshmi Purana stories passed through generations
- ✦The importance of gratitude and humility
Related: Kumar Purnima • Odia Culture