Umerkote: The grand Dhodra Mandei has begun! This ancient festival is held in Dhodra village under the Umerkote police station in the Jharigaon block of Nabarangpur district. The Mandei is associated with the worship of Goddess Ingala and starts exactly one week after Holi every year.
This Mandei has been celebrated since ancient times, dating back to the era of kings and maharajas. It is a three-day-long festival, during which devotees from various villages of the region bring lathis (ritual sticks), palkis (palanquins), and Siras (offerings) to worship the Goddess.
The festival begins on Saturday and concludes on Monday with the Baulani Jatra, which marks the symbolic return of the Goddess. Thousands of devotees and spectators from distant places gather to witness and participate in this vibrant festival.
To entertain visitors, various stalls, including marketplaces, toy shops, and amusement fairs, are set up. The festival is successfully organized with the efforts of the Mandei Committee, led by President Mahendra Bhatra, Vice President Arun Panaka, Secretary Rakesh Jena, Treasurer Surendra Panaka, and advisors Kedar Swara, Babula Sunani, Madhav Pujari, Maheshwar Harijan, Hemant Palei, Bhagaban Pujari, Shukla Pujari, Madhav Pujari, Debasi Pujari, Samaru Pujari, Bhadu Sira, and Laiban Sira.
The dedication and teamwork of these members ensure the successful celebration of the Dhodra Mandei every year.