Celebrated on the Sundays of the month of Bhadraba, Khudurukuni Osha (also known as Bhalukuni Osha), portrays the sanctity and beauty of the relationship between brother and sister. During this festival, young girls fast and worship Maa Mangala to seek the safety, prosperity, and good health of their brothers. 

On Khudurukuni Osha, girls wake up early in the morning and collect a variety of flowers. After taking a bath, they pray to the sun by gathering small amounts of clay or sand (called Bhaluka) on the bank of a water body and decorating it with turmeric powder, vermilion, and various types of flowers. Next, they stitch garlands for the Goddess using mostly hibiscus flowers. Alpanas or jhotis designs are drawn on the floor. After this, an idol of the Goddess is installed and the rituals begin in the evening. The goddess is offered Khuda Bhaja, Ukhuda, Chuda, Kanti Kakudi, Lia, Mishri and different types of fruits. The girls also read a book about Tapoi. 

Here is how the story goes:

Tapoi was born to a rich family where she was greatly pampered. When Tapoi’s brothers went for trading, she was left with their wives. One day, a Brahmin widow brainwashed Tapoi’s sisters-in-law to mistreat her. All of them, except for the youngest sister-in-law tortured Tapoi in every way possible. Eventually, Tapoi escaped and came about some girls praying to Goddess Mangala. Tapoi prayed for the safe return of her brothers. The Goddess heard her prayers and her brothers returned. On knowing their sister’s plight, the brothers decided to teach their wives a lesson. Tapoi was decked up as a goddess and was taken to the ship. When her sisters-in-law arrived, she avenged her suffering by cutting off all their noses, except for the youngest sister’s nose. 

Since then Goddess Mangala is worshipped by the young girls for the well being and prosperity of their brother. The ending of the book gives hope as it says: “Khudurukuni e atai, Jaha magiba taha pai” which means, “Goddess Khudurukuni can fulfill all your wishes”.