Kotpad,Oct 22 [UDN}: The grand Dussehra festival was celebrated with great religious fervour, devotion and enthusiasm at the sacred shrine of Maa Mauli, the presiding deity of the Kotpad region in Odisha’s Koraput district. The annual Navratri and Dussehra celebrations witnessed the participation of thousands of devotees who gathered at the shrine to seek the blessings of the revered Goddess.
As part of the traditional religious rituals, Maa Mauli was taken in a special palanquin or ceremonial vehicle to visit her sister deity, Maa Sheetala Thakurani, following the customary invitation. The procession was marked by traditional musical instruments, colourful ceremonial displays and the enthusiastic participation of thousands of devotees. The entire atmosphere was filled with religious chants, devotion and festive excitement as people from Kotpad and neighbouring areas joined the celebrations to pay their respects to the Goddess.
The festival venue and surrounding areas were beautifully illuminated with attractive lighting and decorative arrangements, adding to the grandeur of the celebrations. Cultural programmes organised every day during the festive period provided entertainment for devotees and local residents while showcasing the region’s cultural traditions and community spirit.
Special arrangements were also made to ensure that the celebrations proceeded peacefully and in an orderly manner. Kotpad police personnel were deployed at important locations, while strict checking was conducted at various road junctions and key points across the area. The police maintained vigilance and took necessary action to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the safety of devotees attending the festival.
Several prominent political leaders, public representatives and local dignitaries attended the cultural programme organised as part of the Dussehra festivities. Those present included Kotpad MLA Rupu Bhatra, Congress MLA candidate Anamu Dian, former minister Padmini Dian, former MLA Chandrasekhar Majhi, Chairman M. Shankar Rao, MP representative Rameswar Jena, Chandrasekhar Das, Binayak Acharya, Suren Mohanty, Bikash Patnaik and Block Vice-Chairman Tapan Panigrahi.
Members of the festival organising committee, political party workers, local representatives, devotees and residents of Kotpad also participated in the celebrations in large numbers. They offered prayers at the shrine and sought the divine blessings of Maa Mauli for peace, prosperity, happiness and the well-being of the people.
The grand celebration once again highlighted the deep-rooted religious faith, cultural heritage and strong community participation associated with Maa Mauli’s shrine. The traditional procession, elaborate decorations, cultural performances and extensive security arrangements together made the Dussehra festivities a significant religious and cultural occasion for the people of Kotpad and the surrounding region.
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