Chitalagi Amavasya (Odisha) 2027

Puja Vidhi

Who Celebrates This Festival?

• Devotees of Lord Jagannath: Families across Odisha honour Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, seeking their grace and protection.
• Homemakers: Women of the household prepare the special Chitau Pitha and offer it, praying for the health and prosperity of the family.
• Farmers and Rural Families: Households that depend on the land give thanks for the crop and pray for a good harvest.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: Bathe and begin preparing the Chitau Pitha in the early morning, during Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn period) or soon after.
• Puja and Naivedya: Offer the pitha to the deity in the morning, after the home is cleaned. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Evening Prayers: Light a Diya at home in the evening and pray before the picture of Lord Jagannath (families differ on whether this is observed).

About the Festival

Chitalagi Amavasya is a much-loved Odia festival, celebrated across Odisha, when the jewelled Chita (forehead ornament) is fixed again on the Jagannath deities in Puri, and families offer Chitau Pitha at home. It takes place on the Amavasya (new moon day) in the month of Shravana.

The Katha (Story of the Chita of Lord Jagannath)

Once upon a time, in the sacred land of Puri, the Lord of the Universe sat in his temple with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, adorned with the jewelled Chita, the shining ornament placed on each of their foreheads. On Snana Purnima, the deities were bathed with many pots of holy water, and, as is the tradition, the Chita was removed.

After the grand bath, the Lord was believed to fall ill, and the doors were closed for the period of rest known as Anasara. The devotees waited patiently for the Lord to recover, praying every day for his good health. When he finally came out for the Rath Yatra, thousands gathered to see him on his chariot.

Over the following weeks, the servitors prepared for the day of renewal. On the Amavasya of Shravana, the priests, in the silence of the sanctum, fixed the Chita on the foreheads of the Lord and his siblings, with great devotion. The ritual restores the ornaments removed on Snana Purnima and renews the deities' divine adornment.

Devotees in their homes celebrate this day by making Chitau Pitha, a rice-batter pancake, and offering it with love. Since that day, families across Odisha have observed Chitalagi Amavasya to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath for health, a good harvest, and happiness.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Image / Painting: Picture of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Sandalwood paste, Roli, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, along with incense sticks
• Chitau Pitha Items: Soaked rice batter, grated coconut, jaggery, and a little urad dal paste, for the Chitau Pitha
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Chitau Pitha, fruits, and a little milk or Kheer
• Devotional Accessories: Flowers, Tulsi leaves, and a clean cloth for the altar

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, fresh clothes.
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Jagannath, today I offer this puja and Chitau Pitha with a pure heart. Bless my family with health, peace, and prosperity."
3. Keep the day simple and sattvic, and avoid non-vegetarian food.

Step 2: Preparing the Chitau Pitha

1. Grind the soaked rice into a smooth batter and mix it with a little urad dal paste.
2. Heat a flat pan, spread the batter into a thin round shape, and cook it with a little Ghee.
3. Fill or top it with coconut and jaggery as is customary in your household, and keep it covered until the puja.

Step 3: Preparing the Puja Altar

1. Clean the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone) or the puja room of your home.
2. Place the picture of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra on a wooden stool (Chowki) covered with a clean cloth.
3. Light a Ghee Diya and incense in front of the deities.

Step 4: Performing the Rituals

1. Applying Tilak: Apply sandalwood paste, Roli, and Akshat to the image of the deities.
2. Offering Flowers: Offer fresh flowers and Tulsi leaves with devotion.
3. Offering Naivedya: Place the Chitau Pitha, fruits, and sweets before the deities, and offer them with a short prayer.

Step 5: Prayers and Aarti

1. Chant the names of Lord Jagannath, or sing a devotional bhajan, with full focus.
2. Perform the aarti using the lit Ghee Diya, and wave it before the deities.
3. Pray for the health of your family and a good harvest for the year.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing Prasad

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the Chitau Pitha among family members, neighbours, and children.
3. Partake in the prasad with gratitude, and then have a simple sattvic meal.