Papadahandi, Jan, 01: In Papadahandi subdivision of Nabarangpur district, the Gauda Mandei festival was inaugurated on Tuesday.
On this occasion, after ritual worship at the local Budhi Thakurani (Gram Devi) Temple, a ceremonial procession was taken out. The procession passed through Majhiguda village and also covered Dishariguda village.
Members of the temple worship committee, local public representatives, priests from the local panchayat, and a large number of local residents participated in the procession, carrying traditional items such as sticks and ritual objects.
For the next five days, the procession will tour various villages under the Gram Panchayat. On the final day, the Banalani Yatra will be (held).
It may be noted that while the Papadahandi Bali Yatra is celebrated once every 12 years, the Gauda Mandei festival is organized once every three years.