Inside Odisha’s Spiritual Diwali Custom—The Story Of Bada Badua Daka

Diwali is celebrated across India with a rich variety of customs that differ from region to region, yet share common themes such as decorating homes, lighting lamps (diyas), exchanging gifts, and enjoying festive meals. In West Bengal, the festival is observed as Kali Puja, devoted to the goddess Kali. In Tamil Nadu, families create elaborate kolam patterns, while in Goa, Diwali commemorates the defeat of the demon Narkasur.

In Odisha, the ancient ritual of Bada Badua Daka takes place on Naraka Chaturdashi (the fourth day of Diwali), during which families light jute sticks and offer prayers to honour their ancestors.

Honouring Ancestors Amidst The Glow Of Diwali

Also known widely as the Festival of Lights, Diwali holds a special place in the heart of India’s cultural and spiritual fabric. While the celebration is vibrant and diverse across the country, the eastern state of Odisha observes the unique and poignant ritual, Bada Badua Daka. This ancient tradition serves as a sacred moment where families reach out to their deceased ancestors, inviting them to partake in the festival’s joy and seeking their blessings for the future.

The Bada Badua Daka ritual is a family tradition for honouring ancestors, but visitors can respectfully witness the large, public observance of it in Puri. While the rite is performed privately in homes, a large-scale public gathering takes place in front of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, where thousands of devotees perform the ritual together. The ceremony is deeply personal, as families gather to remember their own forefathers, and is not a public festival for tourist participation.

A Ritual Rooted In Reverence

At the heart of Odisha's Bada Badua Daka is the use of burning jute sticks, locally called Kaunria Kathi. Families gather these simple, natural materials in bundles, lighting them with great care during the festivities. The flickering flames of the jute sticks symbolise a guiding light, beckoning the spirits from Pitru Lok—the ancestral abode—to traverse from the darkness of the afterlife towards the warmth and illumination of the earthly realm.

People hold burning jute sticks as they call out to their ancestors. They believe that during this time, their forebears visit them and then return to their realm. Families also perform special pujas to honour their ancestors and seek their blessings.

This ritual is most vividly observed in Puri, the spiritual heartland of Odisha and home to the revered Jagannath Temple. Here, amidst the temple’s sacred environs, families unite in large numbers, holding their glowing jute sticks aloft while chanting the ancient mantra:

"Bada badua ho, andhaara re aasa, alua re jaa", which translates to: "Oh ancestors, come from darkness, go towards the light."

The chant is a heartfelt call, summoning departed souls from the shadows of the underworld and guiding them toward the light of the diya, the traditional oil lamp that epitomises hope and purity during Diwali.

Purpose And Profound Significance

The Bada Badua Daka ritual is much more than a ceremonial formality; it embodies the deep respect Odia people hold for their ancestors and heritage. By honouring those who came before, families reaffirm the bonds that transcend time and mortality.

• Honouring Ancestors: At its core, the ritual is a gesture of remembrance and gratitude. Families acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions of their forebears, recognising their enduring influence on present lives.

• Seeking Blessings: The ritual is also a spiritual invocation, a humble request for blessings and guidance from the departed souls. It is believed that these ancestors watch over their descendants, and their favour ensures prosperity, protection, and wellbeing.

• Strengthening Family Ties: Bada Badua Daka fosters familial unity, bringing relatives together to collectively celebrate their lineage and shared history. This communal aspect strengthens family connections and reinforces cultural identity.

• Cultural Preservation: The practice helps preserve Odisha’s unique cultural heritage, passing age-old customs to younger generations and maintaining the continuity of local traditions amidst an increasingly globalised world.

The Origins

Though its exact origins remain uncertain, it is commonly believed to have begun around the time of the Bhakti movement led by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Some trace it to that era, approximately 500 years ago. Others believe the practice dates back much further, to around 350 BC, linked to the return of the Sadhabas—ancient Odia merchants who travelled overseas for trade.

A Living Tradition

Bada Badua Daka remains an essential part of Diwali in Odisha, a tradition that beautifully encapsulates the festival’s spirit—light triumphing over darkness, life honouring death, and the eternal bond between generations. As the flickering flames of the jute sticks pierce the night sky, they illuminate more than just the physical world; they shine a light on the deep connections that shape Odia identity and culture. This distinctive tradition is closely linked to Jagannath culture, as Lord Jagannath is regarded as the Supreme God.

In an age where modernity often threatens to erode ancient customs, Bada Badua Daka stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition. Through this evocative ritual, the people of Odisha continue to celebrate their ancestors, ensuring that their legacy remains a guiding force in the lives of those who follow.

FAQs

What is Bada Badua Daka?
Bada Badua Daka is an Odia tradition performed during Diwali where families light jute sticks to call upon and honour their ancestors, seeking their blessings and guidance.

Why are jute sticks used in this ritual?
Jute sticks (Kaunria Kathi) are lit as a symbolic guide to lead the spirits of ancestors from the darkness of the afterlife towards the light of the living world.

When is this ritual performed?
The ritual takes place on Naraka Chaturdashi, the fourth day of Diwali, which is considered the time when ancestors visit their descendants.

Where is this tradition most prominently observed?
While Bada Badua Daka is celebrated throughout Odisha, it holds special significance in Puri, particularly near the Jagannath Temple.

What is the significance of chanting during the ritual?
Chanting the mantra “Bada badua ho, andhaara re aasa, alua re jaa” is a call for the ancestors to emerge from darkness and follow the light, symbolising guidance and blessings for the family.