Tentulikhunti,: The inauguration festival of the Hanuman Temple in Tentulikhunti block headquarters panchayat of Nabarangpur district was held from the 6th to the 9th of this month. On the 6th, the festivities began with the offering of Purnahuti (sacred fire ritual) and initiation rituals, followed by the idol consecration ceremony.
On the first day, rituals such as Vanayaga, Sala Sanskar, Mandala Karan, and Ankuraropan were performed by priests. A Kalash Yatra (sacred pot procession) was carried out by the village women, accompanied by Vedic chants.
On the second day, events like Surya Puja (Sun worship), Go Puja (Cow worship), entry into the new temple hall, and Agni Sthapana (sacred fire installation) were conducted.
The third day included Surya Puja, Chetana Puja, Mahasnan (holy bathing of the idol), and the consecration of the deity and temple building.
On the fourth day, along with Surya Puja, Ratna Mudra, idol installation, entry of deities into the temple, and Yajna rituals were held. The festival concluded with the final offering (Purnahuti) and the grand entry of Sri Sri Sankat Mochan Hanuman. A mass food offering (Anna Yajna) was organized as part of the ceremony.
Hundreds of women from remote tribal villages under the Tentulikhunti panchayat such as Barada Jhodi, Ladi Padar, and Pangan Mara participated actively in the temple inauguration celebration.