Dol Purnima 1st moon of Dol

On this auspicious day, a deity of Krishna and his beloved Radha, richly adorned and coated with colored powder (Abir). In Brajvasi, Bengali, Odia and Assamese, one goes out in procession in a swinging palanquin, decorated with flowers, foliage, colorful clothes and papers.

The procession advances to the sound of music, the blaring of conch shells, water buffalo horn trumpets, and cries of 'Joy' (Victory) and 'Hôri Bolo' in Odisha. Odia women wash their courtyards with cow dung and decorate them with rice powder and flowers. Dairy products such as homemade curd, cream, butter, and 'panchamrit' are offered.

Those accompanying are offered sweets and drinks. In villages, curd drinks are distributed among the people, and they rejoice by spreading vermillion on each other.

The first day of Dol is known as Gondh. In the evening, the full incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the god Krishna, is ready to visit the place of Ghunucha (Ghunucha is one of Krishna's wives). His followers make a bonfire in front of the kirtan-ghar and to the beat of Vaishnavite drums and cymbals, the idol of Krishna is carried around the firework and then to the doul. During the festival, all the regular religious functions of the kirtan ghar (house of prayer) are performed.

The second day of Dol is known as Bhor-Dol, meaning Main Dol. Bhor Dol is celebrated for one day in the month of Chot and two or three days in the month of Phalgun. Idols are colored with faku on this day.

The third day of Dol also passes in the same way as the second day.

The last and fourth day of the Doul festival is called Sueri. On this day, Lord Krishna is believed to return to Mother Lakshmi's house from Ghunucha's house. Devotees bring Lord Krishna down on a palanquin (dola) and carry him in procession. The participation of people from various regions creates a sea of devotees there. To the rhythm of Vaishnavite drums, cymbals, conch shells, etc., Holi chants tear the sky apart. People throw colored powders at each other. When the procession reaches the kirtan ghar, the door is blocked with bamboo by Mother Lakshmi's followers.

It is believed that Mother Lakshmi became angry with her husband, Lord Krishna, for staying with Ghunucha all these days. So Mother Lakshmi's followers prevented the opposing group from entering her house. But finally, the bamboos were broken, and Lord Krishna entered the campus and performed seven rounds of kirtan ghar. He grew tired and rested for a while. Taking advantage of the peace, a devotee from Lakshmi's side 'reproved' him; one of her devotees returned the blame.

An interesting verbal duel then ensues. In the end, he admits defeat, like a peace-loving husband, gratifies her with money and other gifts, and gains her admission to the sanctuary.