Nandapur, 29th Sept 2025: As the royal family of Jeypore shifted from Nandapur in Koraput district, the traditions, rituals, and ceremonial practices have continued to thrive in the region. In keeping with these age-old customs, the Dussehra flag was ceremonially hoisted on Monday in front of the Kacheri House (the old palace/old police station), symbolizing the royal lineage and marking the beginning of the Dussehra festival in Nandapur.
The ritual was conducted as per traditional procedures, signaling the formal start of the Dussehra celebrations. Participating in the event were the royally appointed priests, Goudas (traditional community), Kumbhakars (potters), Bhandaris (storekeepers), Baida Karias (traditional healers), Karans (scribes), Brahmins, Bhanda Kumars (metal workers), along with officials from the Devasthan department, priests from various local temples, and panchayat sarpanches (village heads).
The rituals were led by Priest Rajkishore Rath.
From Monday onwards, preparations for the Jeypore Dussehra rituals will commence. These preparations will take place in the villages en route to the Jeypore Royal Garden (Rajbatika), including Kandara, Nuaput, Geruput, Dandaguda, Patal, Adra, and Debagandhana. Rituals will also begin at the village deities’ shrines, including the Nanda-Nandapur Bhairav Peeth, the Batrisa Singhason (32 Thrones), and the Thakurani Peeth (Goddess Seat).
On Ashtami Tithi (the eighth day of Dussehra), after completion of rituals, village lathis (ceremonial sticks) will be paraded through the town and brought together at the Dussehra Ground in Hatapada.
On Navami (the ninth day), these ceremonial symbols will be taken to the Jeypore Rajbatika.
The villagers of Nandapur actively participated in the ceremonies.