Puri: While the rest of the world knows Akshaya Tritiya for buying gold and the grand commencement of Lord Jagannath’s chariot construction, the people of Puri quietly celebrate a charming local tradition that brings smiles to every child’s face — the Ghadi Pathuli Puja.
Going by the tradition, on the morning of Akshaya Tritiya, the holy city of Puri buzzes with a special energy. Alongside the sacred Chandan Yatra and the symbolic start of Rath Yatra chariot building, families — especially in servitor and Brahmin households — perform the age-old Ghadi Pathuli Puja. For adults, it is a ritual seeking blessings and good fortune.
For children, however, it is pure delight — a day filled with fun, excitement, and the thrill of collecting gifts. Days in advance, mothers and families prepare special earthen pots called Ghadi Pathuli. These clay pots are coated with lime, dried, and beautifully painted with colourful local designs. They are then filled with offerings and topped with items dear to children.
In the past, the pots contained traditional sweets, seasonal fruits, and candies. Today, they also include modern favourites such as pens, pencils, notebooks, sketch pens, toys, and chocolates — reflecting how the tradition has lovingly adapted to changing times while keeping its spirit intact.
Early in the morning, mothers perform the puja at the base of the courtyard tree, offering prayers for their children’s well-being. Once the offering is complete, the contents of the Ghadi Pathuli are joyfully distributed among neighbourhood children. The little ones, bags in hand, enthusiastically go door-to-door shouting for their share of Ghadi Pathuli. And the happiness of a child returning home with such a prized collection is boundless.
This heartwarming custom, unique to Puri and its nearby areas, beautifully blends devotion, community sharing, and childhood joy on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya.
