India, March 18 -- Dola Purnima is a Hindu festival of paramount importance in Odisha which marks the end of the six-day swing festival of Radha and Lord Krishna.

The six-day festival known as Dola Jatra begins on the Falguna Dasami day. The idol of village deities, especially of Lord Krishna, is carried to all the homes in the villages on a decorated Veemana (palanquin). The people carrying the idols and those following them are smeared with Abira (dry colours).

The procession is led by village drummers, pipers and the 'Sankirtana Mandalis' (a group of singers and musicians). The procession halts in front of each household and the deity is offered 'Bhog'. On the final day of the Jatra, the celebration culminates in a swing festival fo...