Kalemela:Feb, 20: A large gathering of devotees was seen at the Maa Mauli Yatra held at Tekguda (B) village in Malkangiri district. Maa Mauli is regarded as a symbol of faith and belief among the Koya tribal community living in the region.
The festival began with women bringing sacred water in ritual pots and installing it at the temple. Devotees also brought symbolic bamboo staffs from various village deity shrines and placed them near the temple. After worship near a nearby hill, the procession formally started from a stream close to the village.
The three-day yatra started on Monday and will conclude on Wednesday. Tuesday witnessed a heavy rush of devotees. One of the main attractions at the deity’s shrine inside the temple is a pair of pigeons that remain seated calmly on the sacred seat even amid loud sounds of drums, bells, and ritual chants.
There is a strong belief that the chief priest of the goddess can cure serious illnesses using herbal remedies. Because of this belief, devotees come from neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh to fulfill their wishes, said ward member Muka Padiami.
Another major highlight of the yatra is the traditional Kalesi dance. Men and women, decorated with mandara flower garlands, cowrie garlands, and colorful costumes, perform vibrant rhythmic dances. The entire village atmosphere becomes energetic with the sounds of drums, trumpets, and ritual ululation. The Maa Mauli yatra is organized once every two years and draws devotees from many regions.
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