Papdahandi: The consecration festival of the new temple of the famous Maa Budhi Thakurani in Papdahandi has begun. This festival, which started on the 7th, will continue until the 10th.
For the temple consecration rituals, seven priests have arrived from various places: Deba Rath, Durgaprasad Mishra, Krishna Chandra Mishra, and Debidrat Pati from Puri; Chittaranjan Acharya and Mrutyunjay Samantaray from Brahmapur; and Sheshadev Sahu from Jeypore.
On the 7th, rituals like Ankur Ropan (seed planting) and Mandala Dhivasa were performed. On the 8th, a Kalash Sobha Yatra took place, where over 2,000 women collected water from the Turi River and brought it to the temple premises.
The schedule for the next days includes:
9th March: Surya Puja (Sun worship), Ratnamud Sthapan, Chandi Path, Chandi Homam, Aarti, and Pushpanjali.
10th March: Surya Puja, worship of all deities, Havan, Purnahuti, followed by the distribution of Anna Prasad (sacred food).
Additionally, an Adivasi Natak (tribal drama) will be staged as part of the celebrations, according to the festival committee. The entire village of Papdahandi is actively participating and contributing to the event.