Umarkote Hom Yagya was organized by the Hindu organization at the Bandurga temple in Umarkote, Nabarangpur, to wish for the strength, prosperity, and long life of the Indian Army. The rituals were performed by the temple priest, Abhishek Mishra.
According to reports, in April 1999, militants attacked innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. In response, the Indian Army launched “Operation Sindoor” during the midnight hours of a Tuesday, targeting approximately nine sites in Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of many militants. This operation greatly boosted the morale of the Indian Army.
In continuation of these wishes for the strength and well-being of the armed forces, a Hom Yajna was performed at the Bandurga Temple in Umarkote. Several Hindu organizations from the town participated in the ceremony, and prayers were offered for the long life and prosperity of each soldier. It is believed by the locals that prayers near the Bandurga Temple fulfill one’s wishes.
The ceremony was attended by temple leader, Aanshik Dash, Ram Gand, Mitu Patra, Milu Panda, Harprasad Panigrahi, Ramesh Dash, Rudra Narayan Devata, Nitya Gand, and Ramhari Sahu, among others.