The date of the Sunia festival in 2025 falls on Thursday, September 4th. This celebration is associated with Bamana Janma and Indradwaja Puja, and holds great importance within the Jagannath Temple tradition. Sunia is a significant festival, especially within the Jagannath Temple tradition. The term “Sunia” signifies the sharing of gifts and goodwill with the monarch.
Puri Dibyasingha Deb Sunia Divas
Puri observes Sunia festivals in 2025. Gajapati Maharaj enters 69th ‘Anka’, 1433 ‘sal’ begins. Currently serving as the King of Puri, Dibyasingha Deba is also referred to by his symbolic regnal title, Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deva IV. He is the current leader of the Bhoi dynasty, which was historically the hereditary monarch of the Puri Estate, which had its capital in Puri, as well as the medieval Khurda Kingdom and the ancient dominion of Trikalinga (regions of Kalinga, Utkal, and Dakshin Koshala).
The Gajapati Maharaja is the present Adhyasevaka (regarded as the first and foremost servitor) of Lord Jagannatha and among numerous rites is involved in ‘Chhera Pahara’, the ceremony involving the symbolic washing of the raths during Ratha Yatra (Puri). In addition, he serves as the head of the Puri Jagannath Temple’s Shri Jagannatha Temple Managing Committee.
Dibyasingha Deb Sunia Divas at Srinaara, Puri
Regnal year (Anka year). Sunia Divas at Srinaara, Puri is celebrated on Bhadraba Masa Sukla dwadsi tithi.
Puri Dibyasingha Deb’s Sunia Divas is an important annual ceremony in which the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri conducts rituals to signify the commencement of the Odia Anka year, commonly referred to as the financial and ruling new year, on Bhadra Shukla Dwadasi. This occasion represents the initiation of the fiscal year and the continued sovereignty of the Gajapati Maharaja, highlighted by unique rituals, the distribution of gold coins inscribed with the current regnal year of the king, and blessings for the realm.
- Gregorian year -2025 CE
- Odia year -1433 Sala
- Anka year -69