Rai Damodar Varta and Panchuka is observed by the Hindu widows in
Orissa. They fast for twenty-five days from the first day of the lunar month of karthika (September-October.) Along with Rai and
Lakshmi, the widows also worship Damodar. They have only one meal of sun-dried rice, known as havisha, during this fasting.
Lakshmi and Narayan are worshipped throughout the last five days of this month, called Bagapanchuka. During the Panchuka days, married women worship goddess Vrundavati by adorning the place with attractive designs.
