A Traditional Vedic Wedding Ceremony of Jau Kandhei Celebrated in Balasore

Balasore, 24/5 (Krushna Kumar Mohanty): The grand folk celebration of Balasorean tradition, the Jau Kandhei (lacquer doll) Wedding, was solemnized yesterday following Vedic rituals at the sacred Lokanath Temple in Sahadevkhunta, Balasore.

This unique event recreated the symbolic union of Aparti and Gurei, the lead characters from the renowned Odia short story ‘Sua Muhare Patara’. The vibrant wedding procession began from the courtyard of Mission High School in the heart of the city, where hundreds of "baraatis" (wedding guests) joined the ceremonial parade.

The streets came alive as the city was lit with dazzling lights and echoed with the beats of folk art. The procession included traditional performance troupes such as Puri’s Sahiyata (sponsored by Odisha Government’s Culture Department), Balasore’s Rang Dhol, Dubalagad’s Pitula Dance, Manikhamba’s Paika Akhada, Bhadrak’s Laudi, and Nilgiri’s tribal dancers. Covering over seven kilometers, the route shimmered with festivity as citizens, setting aside all social and religious differences, welcomed the bridegroom’s party with great enthusiasm.

Among the prominent participants in the procession were members of the Jau Kandhei (lacquer doll) Festival Committee, including Upendra Nath Patra, Biplab Kumar Mohanty, Raghunath Lenka, Keshudas, Rajesh Giri, Kalikinkar Das, Hrusikesha Sahu, Brahmanath Rath, Byomanath Rath, Paresh Das, Gouranga Panigrahi, Gopal Jena, Manaswini Devi, Dharitri Mishra, Saubhagini Mishra, Anindita Acharya, Archana, Anita Rath, Lipi Das Mahapatra, Kanaklata Das, Rachana Sen, Minati Sethi, and many others. Several dignitaries including ministers, legislators, MPs, journalists, intellectuals, and social workers also attended the one-of-a-kind wedding celebration.

The ritual was officiated by priest Bimal Panda for the groom’s side and by Pandit Bishwambhar Mishra and Barik Bimal Barik for the bride’s side at Lokanath Temple. Gurei’s symbolic “kanyadaan” (ritual offering of the bride) was performed by Neelamani Mandal and Umamani Mahana, while Aparti’s symbolic parents Pitambar Das and Sukanti Lata Das returned with the newlywed "couple" and the wedding party to the courtyard of Christian High School.

Before the procession commenced, a gathering was held at Christian High School under the stewardship of festival committee vice-chairperson Smt. Anjali Panda. The event featured retired administrative officer Dhananjay Swain as Chief Guest and eminent writer and academic Prof. Harihar Panda as keynote speaker, who reflected on the unique contribution of Balasore’s folk culture to Odisha’s heritage.

Special guests included B. Minati from Prajapita Ishwariya Brahmakumari University, Sasmita Rana (Director of Nayika Theatre Troupe), and Manju Seraogi (President of the All India Marwari Women’s Conference), all of whom lauded the efforts of the Jau Kandhei (lacquer doll) Wedding Committee.

The event was coordinated with introductory remarks by Dharitri Mishra, guest introductions by Rachana Sen, and concluding words by Minati Sethi. The evening was further enriched by mesmerizing performances from Nosy Cultural Academy, Kailash Dance Troupe, and the Sambalpuri Dance Group.

This celebration not only highlighted the region’s deep-rooted cultural ethos but also served as a reminder of the enduring relevance of folk traditions in contemporary society.