Maidalpur: The traditional nine-day-long historic Bali Jatra was inaugurated on Monday in Majhiguda Sadar Panchayat of Papdahandi Block. As part of the festival, all the village deities were ceremoniously invited to the Bali Ghar. Ritualistic worship of Lathi, Kurchi, and Bimana will be conducted for the entire nine-day duration, according to the temple priests.
On the first day, hundreds of people from neighboring villages gathered to witness the festival. To entertain the visitors, a traditional folk theater was organized at night, as confirmed by the members of the Bali Jatra Committee. To ensure law and order, Maidalpur Police have made extensive security arrangements.
The Bali Jatra, which began today, will conclude on April 1. Notably, this festival was earlier celebrated once every three years. However, after a gap of 12 years, it is being held in the village again, leading to great enthusiasm among the villagers, as expressed by the organizing committee members.