Manabasa Gurubar Vrat, Magsir Gurbar, Etymology of Manabasa Gurubar Brat
Manabasa Gurubar Brat is dedicated to Lakshmi, Goddess of property and wealth. This is a famous brat observed by all the families. ‘Mana’ is a pot shaped physical measuring instrument used to measure Paddy. In ancient times it is considered as an icon related to property. during this festival a ‘Mana’ is filled with paddy and worshiped as a replica of Goddess Laxmi.
‘Basa’ means to make it be seated or to put it to be worshiped.
Manabasa Gurubar Brat is a festival where ‘Mana’ is worshiped on Gurubar i.e on Thursday. In Western parts of odisa it is called as ‘Magsir Gurbar’ because this vrat is observed on Thursdays (Gurubars) of the month ‘Margasira’.