Navakalevara festival is of which state?
VerifiedAnswer: Odisha
Explanation:
The Navakalevara festival is a unique and sacred celebration that belongs to the state of Odisha. This extraordinary festival is deeply rooted in the religious traditions of the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, making it one of the most significant cultural events in Odisha's spiritual calendar.
Navakalevara literally means "new embodiment" or "new body" in Sanskrit. This festival occurs approximately every 12 to 19 years when the wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are ceremonially replaced with new ones. The timing of this festival is determined by a specific astronomical calculation - when there are two months of Ashadha in the same year according to the lunar calendar.
The festival involves an elaborate ritual process where specially selected priests, known as Daitas, search for specific neem trees with particular characteristics to carve the new idols. These trees must meet strict religious criteria and are identified through divine signs and dreams. The entire process of creating new idols and transferring the divine essence from the old to the new ones is shrouded in secrecy and is considered one of the most mysterious rituals in Hindu tradition.
What makes this festival particularly special is that it represents the renewal and continuity of divine presence in the Jagannath Temple. Devotees from across India and beyond visit Puri during this time to witness this rare spiritual phenomenon. The festival showcases Odisha's rich cultural heritage and demonstrates the state's central role in preserving ancient Hindu traditions and temple practices that have continued for centuries.
