Odia women in Canada and UK bond over ‘Sabitri Brata’

Bhubaneswar: Odia women living abroad observed ‘Sabitri Brata', which signifies the power of love, faith and determination. Added to it was the bonding and bonhomie that they have experienced since their childhood when their grandmothers, mothers, aunts and others from the neighbourhood used to offer the rituals together.Recalling how they grew up seeing their mothers, grandmothers and aunts observe the occasion, Subhashree Dash, a teacher in Ottawa, said, "When I initially moved to the Bay Area in California, it was heartening to find Odia women continuing these traditions. After I came to Canada, I took the initiative to organise the puja and invited other women."Like in India where women go shopping for puja items and fruits, those living abroad shared shopping and puja preparation responsibilities among themselves, while the saris were either bought online or during their visits to Odisha."As many as 30 women took part in the rituals. We readied the puja thalis containing items like sindoor, bangles and most importantly the ‘brata', among others," Pallabika Das, a homemaker from Dublin, said. Devi Sabitri's idol was prepared with ‘haldi', ‘kumkum' and ‘kajal', among others, and the story of Sabitri was read out, an important part of the rituals.The aim of most women living abroad is to observe the ‘brata' so that their children learn about the traditions and follow it later. "It is also an occasion to strengthen the bonding among women from the Odia community. It brings a sense of belonging and pride," Sabita Pradhan, an IT professional from Kent, UK, said.Some women said the ‘Sabitri Brata' reflects their spiritual values. "Every married Odia woman values its significance. It's a privilege to celebrate the day following traditions even in a foreign land," Pallabika added.