In Odisha Ashokastami is celebrated in the month of April. Lord Lingaraj is settled on a chariot and carried to Rameswar temple from the main temple. This jatra is visited by many devotees singing and dancing along the way. The idol of Lord Lingaraj is then returned to its main temple after four days.
Ashokastami origin is associated with a legendary story. Lord Ramachandra, failed in all his efforts to kill Ravana who was protected by Goddess Kali and according to the advice of Ravana's younger brother Vibhisana, Rama decide to propitiate the Mother Goddess. Rama prayed to the goddess for long seven days and pleased her. When the goddess support was withdrawn from Ravana, Rama could easily kill him with 'Brahmastra', the unfailing weapon. To celebrate the victory, Rama took out Shiva and Durga, in a chariot and from that day onwards the festival is being observed.