The festival is dedicated to the worship of Sun God. It is believed that Sun has power to heal diseases. This festival is celebrated by mothers to keep their children free from diseases. Popular mythology suggests that significance of Samba Dashami surrounds Samba, the son of Krishna. Samba was very notorious. Once, Samba teased Narada for his looks. The Sage Narada complained about Samba to Krishna. Lord Krishna with anger cursed him to suffer from leprosy. As the curse cannot be revoked, he advised Samba to pray to Sun God who can cure him. After twelve years of severe penance near Sun Temple Konark, samba pleased the Sun God and the holy water of the river cured him on Shukla Paksha Dashami. Since then, samba Dashami is observed in Odisha in every Odia family on the tenth day of Shukla Paksha of Pausa Masa as per the Odia calendar.
On this day, female folks of the family wake up early in the morning before sun rise. After bath, they prepare variety of food items like, Khichdi, Udiya Puli, Ghadghadia Tarkari (a curry item) and offer them to Sun God during sun rise. One of the specific rituals of this festival is that, a variety of individual food item is offered to Sun God in the name of each member of the family, especially children.
At noon, when the sun is overhead, womenfolk gather near the ‘Chahura’ (a small temple-like structure with Tulsi plant at the top) with a bowl containing turmeric water and betel leaves. All the cooked food is served and the women view Sun God’s reflection in the turmeric water bowl. They also read ‘Samba Dashami Brata Katha’ (the tale that narrates the mythological relevance and significance of the festival) and pray for the well-being of family members.
In the evening, another ritual is observed as a part of the ‘Samba Dasami’ ritual. This is ‘Mahakala Puja’, in which special Budha Chakuli is offered to Lord Yama.
On the occasion, people also gather at Chandrabhaga beach to take a holy dip and throng the Konark temple to offer prayers to the Sun God.
