Kotpad, March, 18: Preparations have begun for the upcoming Ghata Yatra of Goddess Maa Sitala Thakurani in Kotpad area of Koraput district. The festival is scheduled to commence from the 23rd of this month.
To ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the event, administrative officials and the Yatra Management Committee have jointly started necessary preparations. A permanent main entrance gate and a tall decorative arch have been constructed near the main Gandhi Chowk, about 100 meters from the temple. Bamboo arches are also being erected at various places across the town.
The Ghata Yatra is held once every three years, and lakhs of devotees from nearby regions as well as from Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh are expected to attend. The administration is making arrangements to manage traffic congestion during the festival.
It is reported that although the construction of the town’s bypass road has been undertaken by the National Highways (NH) department for the past three years, it has not yet been completed. Some farmers’ lands were acquired for the road project, but due to non-payment of compensation, the road has not been opened. Local residents have demanded that the administration open the road at the earliest. However, allegations have been made that no concrete steps have been taken so far.
Meanwhile, the local civic body has begun repair of roads and is giving priority to drinking water supply and sanitation arrangements. The Mina Bazaar and attractive lighting sets fromCuttack are expected to be major attractions of the festival. Artists from Odisha and Bihar have also been invited to participate in the event.
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