Gold Kewda Flowers Adorn Sri Jagannath during Panchaka

Odisha is famous for its aromatic kewda (kewra) flowers. Essence produced from kewda flowers grown in Odisha, especially Ganjam district is sought after throughout the country and abroad. Sri Jagannath, the reigning deity of Odisha also gives much importance to kewda flowers. Real kewda flowers are used to decorate the deities of Sri Jagannath temple. On special occasions, the deities are also decorated with kewda flowers made up of gold. During some regal Besha of the Lord of the Universe during Panchak of the holy month of Kartik, these golden kewda flowers play a major role.

Thiakia Besha, Adakia Besha and Dalakia Besha of the deities clearly mention the importance of the kewda flower. ‘Kia’ in Odia denotes kewda flower. During the Thiakia Besha on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, the trimundi crowns on the heads of deities are decorated with gold kewda flowers placed in standing or erect positions.

On the third day of Kartik Panchuka, the deities of Sri Jagannath temple in Puri adorn Adakia Besha. Kewda flowers made up of gold play a key role in this Besha also. The name Adakia means kewda flowers placed to the side. Instead of real flowers, kewda flowers made up of gold are attached to the sides of trimundi crown of the deities during this Besha.

Dalikia Besha is held on the fourth day of Kartik Panchuka. Along with the gold ornaments, the Chula or headgears of the deities are decorated with colourful flowers hanging from branches. These beautiful artistic branches made up of colourful zari works and ‘sola’ are called Dali. Golden Kia or kewda flowers are placed between these colourful Dalis. It gives the name Dalikia its true meaning.