Kotpad, Feb, 17:The Magha Mandei Yatra, a symbol of faith and belief for the residents of Sandhagaon village under SBNuagao Panchayat of Kotpad block in Koraput district, was celebrated in a unique and traditional manner. The villagers have been observing this festival for generations every year to protect the village from negative forces.
The Magha Mandei Yatra at Sandhagaon was held with special rituals and grandeur. Similar to the chariot pulling during the Rath Yatra, the chariot of Goddess Mauli is pulled during this festival. After rituals and worship at the temple of Goddess Mauli, a grand procession proceeds toward the temple of Goddess Mahamayi, accompanied by various traditional troupes, regional dances, mythological performances, and musical instruments.
After reaching the shrine of Goddess Mahamayi, worship is performed according to tribal customs and traditions. It is believed that organizing the Magha Mandei Yatra brings peace and prosperity to the village throughout the year and ensures a good harvest.
According to the elders, about 70 years ago the village suffered from severe famine and drought. To resolve the crisis, ritual specialists were brought from the Chhattisgarh region and special worship was performed along with the Magha Mandei Yatra. From that time onward, prosperity is believed to have returned to the village.
Since then, the festival has been celebrated every year. A large number of devotees and visitors from far and wide gathered to witness the event. Although modern trends are causing many youths to forget traditional practices, the younger generation of Sandhagaon is actively trying to preserve and promote their cultural heritage.