Kotpad Kotpad’s sacred Shri Shri Shri Kanak Mani Maa Mauli’s holy festival is being celebrated today. Along with this, the local residents observe Holi twice a year here. This tradition has been continuing for hundreds of years.
The sacred fire (Rajagni) is brought from the distant Danteshwari Peetha in Chhattisgarh and is first kept at the Marpad Mauli Temple near Jagdalpur. Later, with proper rituals and deep devotion, the priests of Maa Mauli in Kotpad bring the Rajagni from Marpad. On the night of Dol Purnima, a grand Holi bonfire festival is observed in front of Maa Mauli’s temple, with enthusiastic participation from the townspeople.
After the Holi bonfire, the remaining sacred ashes (Paunsha) are collected and preserved. On this day, Maa Mauli is taken on a procession around the town, where she plays Holi with her devotees once again. This occasion is seen as a symbol of devotion and faith, and the townspeople welcome Maa Mauli with deep reverence, offering incense, lamps, fruits, prasad, and other sacred items at their homes.
Jai Maa Shri Shri Shri Kanak Mani Maa Mauli!