Manabasa Gurubar is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in Odisha, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and well-being. The festival is observed on every Thursday (Gurubar) during the month of Margashira (November–December) according to the Odia calendar.

🕉️ Spiritual Significance

Manabasa Gurubar Puja seeks the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, happiness, and protection of the household. It also emphasizes cleanliness, discipline, and devotion as essential aspects of a prosperous life. The festival holds great significance for women, who lead the rituals with deep faith.

🙏 Manabasa Gurubar Puja Rituals

• Cleaning and Decoration:
  • Before the puja, houses are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with alpana (traditional floor art) and rangoli.
  • A small altar is set up with an idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi.
• Drawing of Lakshmi Patta:
  • A special “Lakshmi Patta” (a sacred wooden plank) is cleaned, decorated, and worshipped as a symbolic seat of the goddess.
• Offerings (Upacharas):
  • Offerings include fruits, flowers, sweets, and cooked rice dishes like pithas.
  • Dhoop (incense), diya (oil lamps), and kumkum are used during the rituals.
• Chanting and Prayer:
  • Devotees chant Lakshmi mantras and sing devotional songs praising the goddess.
  • Women often recite traditional verses and stories related to Goddess Lakshmi.
• Observance for Four Thursdays:
  • The puja is performed every Thursday for the entire month of Margashira, marking continuous devotion.

🌼 Message of Manabasa Gurubar

Manabasa Gurubar teaches the values of purity, devotion, and gratitude. It encourages households to invite prosperity through faith and disciplined living, strengthening cultural and spiritual bonds.