Tentulikhunti, Nabarangpur: The Maha Shivaratri festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Ghumareshwar Shaiva Peetha in Khadiguma Panchayat, Tentulikhunti block, Nabarangpur district, as it is every year. Thousands of devotees visited the Shaiva Peetha to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. Rituals began at 4 AM and concluded at 9 PM with the Maha Deepa ceremony.
Nabarangpur MLA Gaurishankar Majhi visited the Ghumareshwar Shaiva Peetha, offered prayers, and interacted with committee members and devotees. Several prominent local figures, including Nilagalan Monju Sarpanch Malamehan Dalapati, Anchal Gumpha Mandal President Abhimanyu Harijan, General Secretary Debdas Mahalud, Mandal representatives Surya Narayan Randhari, Sudhir Bishoyi, and Dhabaluma Tripathi Bishoyi, were present at the event.
The MLA expressed his satisfaction with the arrangements made by the temple committee and volunteers for ensuring a smooth and well-organized festival. This year, the Nabarangpur Amarnath Seva Sangha organized Anna Prasad (free meal distribution) for devotees, with approximately 10,000 devotees partaking in the meal. The temple administration provided essential services, including drinking water, lighting, crowd management, and first aid for devotees.
The Health Department, Electricity Department, Fire Department, and Police Administration played a crucial role in ensuring the festival’s smooth conduct, for which the temple committee expressed gratitude to all involved.
Similar Maha Shivaratri celebrations were observed at various Shiva temples in Tentulikhunti block, including Lingaraj Temple, Lamataguda Shiva Temple, Sarpamundeshwar Temple, Metri, Dhandara, Patra Puta, Kantagaon, Amala Jatta, Kangu Majhi Guda, Gatiput, and Kapura Samand Shiva Temple, drawing thousands of devotees.