Kolonara: The inauguration of the new temple of Goddess Mutyalama in Kolonara is set to be held on May 4, and preparations have already begun. The festival will be celebrated over 4 days, concluding on May 7. The inauguration will begin at 3 PM on May 4.
The temple activities will include the following events:
On May 4, the rituals will start with the Mandali ceremony, followed by the Diksha (initiation) ceremony at 7 PM, and at 7:30 PM, the Ankuraropana Puja (planting ceremony) will be performed.
On May 5, after 7 AM, a Kalash Yatra (water pot procession) will begin, followed by the Shala Samskara Puja (cleansing ritual), the village deity’s orders (Bijes), Mandali Puja, worship of the Sun God, Sorangni Dhyana (meditation), Parbatyagni Sthapana (mountain fire installation), Karushala Karma (artisan’s work), Alati (offering of light), and a floral tribute ceremony.
On May 6, the morning will start with the worship of the Sun God, the worship of cows, Mandali Puja, deity bathing, a procession in the town, Chandi Path (recitation of hymns), homa yajna (fire ritual), Prana Pratishtha (life invocation), and temple cleansing rituals.
On May 7, the rituals will include Sun worship, cow worship, Mandali Puja, 1008 Bilva Puja (worship of a tree), 16 rituals for the goddess, offering of prasad (holy food), raising of the Mahadwaja (flag), Purnahuti (completion of rituals), and a floral tribute ceremony.
Cultural events will also be organized during the festival, as announced by the temple management committee. On the first and second days, the Bharata Leela (Indian drama) will be performed. On the third, fourth, and fifth nights, the famous “Ramayana” play from Ganjam will be staged. Prasad will be distributed to devotees at noon on May 7.