Bhubaneswar: Odias living in New England, US, celebrated Kumar Purnima recently at South Windsor, Connecticut, for the 10th year.
Plays presented by Odisha Society of New England (OSNE) occupied centre stage during the event. “We decided to stage a few plays because we miss Odia dramas,” said Dillip Behera, president, OSNE. Around 150 Odias attended the celebrations.

The plays were based on ‘Kanchi Abhijan’ to help the younger generation learn about the sibling deities and history associated with the Puri Jagannath Temple. Another play staged by the members was about online scams with the members weaving the narrative with a story that had references to Odisha.
During the celebrations, Odias living in New England ensure they get to connect with their roots as they are usually not able to visit their native places, particularly during festivals.
One of the members brought a ‘tulsi chaura’ (podium-like altar) to the venue as Kumar Purnima rituals are offered to the Sun and Moon in courtyards before the tulsi plant.
“Our celebrations started with tulsi puja and ‘chanda’ puja followed by a ‘puchi’ (game of dance) competition among children and adults,” said Nibedita Parhi, OSNE secretary. Around 22 participated in the puchi competition. Children were explained the significance of the rituals.
Card games, that are an integral part of the festival, were also played. A fashion show and Sambalpuri dance choreographed by Odia women were also staged.
“The celebrations are a time for us to bond over food as well. Bara-ghugni, traditional mutton curry, alu potal rasa and rasagulla, among others, reminded everyone of their homes. We also had satvik options keeping Kartik month in mind,” said Nibedita.