Umarkote,19th Sept 2025: Leela Khela’s Shira Ballav Mali — a revered spiritual figure associated with Goddess Maa Pendrani, the presiding deity of both Odisha and Chhattisgarh — has passed away. He was considered the divine medium (Shira) of the goddess, and there was no one like him in this realm.
Last night, around 2 AM, he took his final breath at his residence in Guleipatana Sahi, Umarkote town. He was 47 years old at the time of his death and had been unwell for some time.
As soon as news of his death spread, people from across Nabarangpur district and neighboring regions of Chhattisgarh like Bastar and Kondagaon gathered in large numbers to pay their last respects. More than 2,000 people were present for his final viewing.
Ballav Mali was regarded as the divine medium (Shira) of Maa Pendrani. People from this entire region held him in high esteem and even worshipped him. During festivals, rituals, and religious events in areas like Barapali in Umarkote and regions of Chhattisgarh, devotees would visit him for spiritual guidance.
It is believed that Goddess Pendrani would manifest through him and deliver divine instructions. During Maa Pendrani’s annual festival, Ballav Shira played a significant role — from swinging in the sacred thorn swing to leading the nine-day religious procession (Navadin Yatra).
Many notable figures, including Nabarangpur MP Balabhadra Majhi, former MP Ramesh Chandra Majhi, senior leader Jayadev Kumar Parida, BJP state secretary Ramesh Chandra Sahu, municipal chairman, former municipal chairperson P. Ravana Rao, and Jhadeshwar Mahanti were present to witness his final rites.