Rayagada: The Chaitra festival and Jhamu Yatra of Maa Majhighariani, the presiding deity of Rayagada, will be celebrated with grandeur from April 8 to April 12. The temple trustee management committee has decided to conduct the festival for five days. A preparatory meeting for the event was held under the chairmanship of temple trustee president Raising Bidika.
As part of the traditional rituals, Ghata Puja and Yajna Puja of Maa Majhighariani will be performed. On April 7, following the Mandala Vinyasa, devotees will take initiation (Diksha). In the evening, a water procession will be carried out from the flowing Jhanjhavati River near the temple, marking the beginning of Ankura Ropana (germination ritual). For five days, Maa’s sacred Ghata (pot) will be taken around the city in a procession every evening.
On the final day, following the Jhamu Agni Puja, priests will perform the fire-walking ritual and swing on the Kanta Doli (bed of thorns). The event will conclude with Purnahuti (final offering) and Charu distribution (holy food offering).
Like every year, special arrangements will be made for drinking water, darshan facilities, and accommodation for devotees coming from distant places. The local police will assist in maintaining peace and security. According to trustee Shri Bidika, during the Chaitra festival, Maa Majhighariani will be adorned in a golden attire (Sunabesha) for five days, and the temple will be beautifully decorated with lighting and floral arrangements.