Gamha Purnima

Odia

Also known as: Rakhi Purnima

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2026 Odia Date

Gamha Purnima

About Gamha Purnima

Gamha Purnima, celebrated on the full moon day of Shravan month (July-August) in Odisha, is dedicated to the worship of cattle (gamha means cow in Odia). It is the Odia equivalent of Raksha Bandhan.

On this day, cows and calves are bathed, decorated with garlands, and worshipped. The cow is considered sacred in Hinduism, representing Kamadhenu, the wish-fulfilling divine cow.

In Odisha, sisters tie rakhis on their brothers' wrists, similar to Raksha Bandhan. The festival celebrates the bond between siblings and the sacred relationship between humans and cattle.

Traditional sweets like chhena poda and rasagola are prepared. The festival is observed with family gatherings, feasts, and the exchange of gifts between siblings and neighbours.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

Devotees observe a light fast and perform cow worship and sibling ceremonies.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

Wake early and bathe and decorate the cows.
Perform puja for the cows with flowers.
Sisters tie rakhis on brothers' wrists.
Prepare traditional sweets and enjoy a feast.

Parana (Breaking Fast) Note: The fast is broken after the cow worship and rakhi ceremony with prasad.

Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps

Essential Puja Samagri:

Flowers and garlands for cowsRakhi threadsIncense sticks and earthen lampsSweets and fruitsTurmeric and kumkum

Puja Procedure:

Wake early and bathe the cows and calves.
Decorate cows with garlands and turmeric.
Offer flowers, incense, and prayers to the cows.
Sisters perform the rakhi ceremony.
Distribute prasad and enjoy the feast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Gamha Purnima?

Gamha Purnima is the Odia festival celebrating sibling bonds and the sacred relationship between humans and cattle. Cows are bathed, decorated, and worshipped.

Q: How is it different from Raksha Bandhan?

While both celebrate sibling bonds, Gamha Purnima uniquely includes the worship of cattle, honouring their role in agricultural life.

Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).

Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.