Khanda Puja, or the worship of swords, holds a significant place in the Dasara (also known as Dussehra) festival traditions of Odisha, particularly among the Paika or Khandayat community. This ceremony, which centers on the veneration of the khanda (sword), symbolizes valor, strength, and the protective blessings of Goddess Shakti, the personification of divine feminine energy in Hinduism. Khanda Puja is performed with deep reverence for the martial heritage of Odisha and is seen as a reminder of the bravery and warrior spirit of ancient Odisha’s soldiers.
Importance and Symbolism
Symbolism of the Sword: The sword in Hindu tradition is not only a weapon but a sacred symbol associated with power, authority, and protection. For the Khandayat and Paika communities—traditional warrior classes in Odisha—the sword represents both personal valor and the collective courage to protect one's land, culture, and people. The ritual of worshiping the sword is thus both a tribute to the goddess and a reaffirmation of their martial heritage.
Honoring Shakti: In Hinduism, Goddess Shakti is worshipped in her many forms during Dasara, representing the triumph of good over evil. Khanda Puja aligns with this theme, as the sword becomes an extension of the goddess’s energy. This worship also invokes the blessings of the goddess for protection, success, and bravery in personal and communal endeavors.
Warrior Lineage of Odisha: Odisha has a long history of warrior clans, notably the Paikas, who served as the military backbone for various regional kingdoms. They are known for their resistance against colonial powers, most famously in the Paika Rebellion against British rule. Khanda Puja is a tribute to this heritage, symbolizing both respect for ancestors and the community's commitment to the values of bravery and protection.
Rituals and Worship Practices
Morning Khanda Puja: The day of Dasara begins with elaborate rituals where the swords, weapons, and other martial tools are cleansed and decorated with turmeric, vermillion, and flowers. Offerings like incense, flowers, and rice are made before the goddess, and mantras are chanted to imbue the weapons with the goddess’s blessings.
Evening Sword Practices: After the morning worship, community members, especially the men of the Paika and Khandayat communities, engage in demonstrations of martial skills in front of the temple or public grounds. This includes sword fighting, archery, wrestling, and club fighting. The performances are often competitive, displaying the expertise of the participants while also seeking to entertain and engage the community.
Prayers and Devotional Songs: Devotional songs and bhajans dedicated to Goddess Durga and other forms of Shakti accompany the rituals. These songs invoke the goddess’s blessings for protection, health, and prosperity, as well as to ward off negative forces.
Lesser-Known Facts
Sacred Training Grounds: In some temples and villages, specific spaces are traditionally designated as "paika akhada," or training grounds, where martial arts were historically practiced by Paikas. During Dasara, these grounds are often sanctified and reopened for training and display purposes.
Role of Women: In some regions, women from the Khandayat and Paika communities participate in certain aspects of Khanda Puja by adorning the weapons with flowers and offering prayers, although they may not engage in martial displays.
Inclusion of Ancient Weapons: Some communities also include other traditional weapons like spears, daggers, and shields in the Khanda Puja, all treated with the same respect and devotion as the sword.
Festivals and Celebrations Across Odisha
While Khanda Puja is especially prominent in certain areas, it is part of a broader tradition of Dasara celebrations in Odisha, which also includes Durga Puja and other forms of Shakti worship. Major cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri celebrate Dasara with grand processions, cultural programs, and elaborate rituals dedicated to Durga. However, Khanda Puja retains a distinct identity because of its focus on martial heritage and community pride among the Paika and Khandayat communities.
Modern-Day Relevance and Adaptations
Renewed Interest in Martial Traditions: With the resurgence of interest in cultural heritage, Khanda Puja has found renewed relevance among younger generations who are interested in the history of the Paika Rebellion and the martial arts of Odisha. Training in traditional Paika martial arts is being revived as both a cultural practice and a form of physical discipline.
Cultural Tourism: In recent years, Khanda Puja has attracted interest as a cultural tourism experience, where travelers to Odisha can witness the unique practices of sword worship and martial displays during Dasara. This not only brings attention to the Paika community’s heritage but also contributes to preserving these traditions.
Practicality in Modern Times: While the community's focus on martial skills may seem outdated in modern times, many believe that these practices instill values like discipline, courage, and respect for tradition in the younger generation. The inclusion of Khanda Puja as part of festivals helps maintain the Paika identity, and martial arts training offers a connection to physical fitness and heritage.
Similar Traditions in Other Parts of India
The worship of weapons and martial displays as part of a religious festival is not unique to Odisha. Similar practices are observed across India, especially during Dasara:
- Ayudha Puja in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu: Ayudha Puja, also celebrated on the same day as Khanda Puja, involves worshiping weapons, tools, and instruments by people across professions.
- Veeragase in Karnataka: This is a warrior dance performed during Dasara, reflecting the warrior spirit associated with Khanda Puja.
- Ramleela Celebrations in North India: Though different in format, Ramleela’s theatrical retelling of the Ramayana often includes martial displays and sword fighting as part of the larger celebration of good’s triumph over evil.
Current Status and Challenges
Khanda Puja continues to be observed with devotion in various parts of Odisha. However, the fast pace of modernization has led to a decline in the regular practice of traditional martial arts, and younger generations are sometimes less connected to these practices. Despite these challenges, local and state governments, as well as cultural organizations, have made efforts to support and revitalize the Paika martial arts through festivals, exhibitions, and funding for cultural preservation.
Khanda Puja stands as a testament to Odisha’s rich martial tradition and the enduring legacy of the Paika warriors. While the ritual itself is steeped in ancient tradition, its themes of valor, resilience, and protection resonate universally. The continued celebration of Khanda Puja reflects the adaptability of tradition in modern times, providing a unique blend of reverence and celebration that honors both the goddess and the warrior spirit in every devotee.