Belguntha: The festival of devotion and faith, Danda Yatra, was celebrated in several villages of Belguntha block. This year, the festival was observed in around 17 villages, with rituals completed in 15 villages today, where Rudra and Kali returned to their respective temples as part of the Masanti Meru ceremony. Devotees who had undertaken mental and physical penance during the festival have also returned to their homes.
Villages like Singhamardana, Palkasandha, Belguntha, Belguntha Khadal Sahi, Koklunda, Ambapua, Tanarada, Ghu.Nuagaon, Banatumba, Jiliba, Balibhaga, Gobara, Dengapadara, Badaborsing, and Dahimundali witnessed Jhamu Yatra celebrations along with Danda rituals.
As per tradition, early in the morning, the Danduas (devotees) returned to their original villages from where the Danda procession had started, accompanied by their deities. The daily rituals of the deities were performed, followed by the Dhuli Danda (dust ritual) at noon.
In the afternoon, after the Pani Danda (water ritual) and Nagar Bhraman (city procession), the deities were ceremonially brought to the Meru Mandap (sacred pavilion). Here, Goddess Kali was bathed, followed by the highly anticipated Jhamu Yatra, where devotees walk over burning embers.
Despite the scorching heat, there was a massive crowd at the Meru Mandaps to witness the Jhamu Yatra. The air was filled with chants of “Haribol,” “Huluhuli,” and “Jaya Rudra Kali,” accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of drums, mahuri (wind instrument), and ghini (cymbals), making the atmosphere vibrant and divine.
After the Jhamu Yatra, there was a unique competition among devotees to collect offered khajuri (palm fruit) and mangoes, which were considered sacred prasad. In the evening, Aalati (lamp offering) was performed, followed by cultural programs late into the night.
Tomorrow, on the occasion of Maha Bishuba Sankranti, the Jhamu Yatra will be held in the remaining two villages of the block — Jalkhai and Indanpur.
To ensure smooth conduct of the Jhamu Yatra, police forces were deployed near the Meru Mandap and cultural stages under the supervision of Belguntha Police Officer Banabihari Pradhan and Gangpur Police Officer Shubhalaxmi Pujari.
No responses yet