Kakatpur, April 03: The fourth phase of the Chaitra festival of the presiding deity of Kakatpur, Goddess Maa Mangala, was observed today with great devotion.
The rituals began at around 2:00 AM with the opening of the temple doors, followed by Mangala Aarti, ceremonial bathing, and purification. The goddess was then adorned in Chandan Besha (sandalwood attire). After the completion of Ballav Bhog and morning rituals, the temple doors were opened for public darshan. Devotees entered through the northern gate in a regulated queue to offer prayers and seek blessings.
At around 1:00 PM, Patuas (traditional performers) from Jankada brought water from the Prachi River and performed the Patua dance in the temple परिसर to the rhythm of traditional instruments. Large crowds gathered to witness this performance. These Patuas are considered similar to the goddess’s attendants and travel from village to village throughout the year प्रचार her glory.
At 4:00 PM, the midday rituals (Dhoop and Bhog) were completed. In the evening, Sandhya Aarti was performed, followed by another ceremonial bathing and decoration of the deity. As per temple tradition, Kalika dance was performed before the evening adornment. A dedicated temple servant, after fasting the entire day, dressed as Goddess Kali and performed ritual dances inside the temple and in the village streets. Devotees gathered in large numbers till late night to witness this sacred performance.
Throughout the day, devotees were mesmerized by the Patua dance during the day and the Kalika dance at night. An estimated 50,000 devotees visited the temple during the day.
Extensive security arrangements were made by the police administration to maintain peace and order. Kakatpur IIC Basanti Sahu and DSP Janardan Padhi were present, actively managing the crowd.
Temple trustee Ankita Anandita informed that the Jhamu Yatra will be held next Tuesday.
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