Berhampur, April 5 – The much-awaited Maa Budhi Thakurani Yatra, one of the most significant cultural festivals in southern Odisha, officially began on Friday. The celebrations, marked by religious fervor and cultural grandeur, will run until April 28, drawing thousands of devotees and visitors from across the region.
The yatra commenced with the traditional arrival of Maa Budhi Thakurani, the revered goddess of Berhampur (known as the Silk City), at her ancestral home on Desibehera Street. This symbolic event is a centuries-old practice, where the goddess is ceremoniously welcomed to the city.
On Thursday, P. Durga Prasad Desibehera, regarded as the father of the goddess, along with other key community members, participated in a grand procession to the Thakurani Temple. Following the ritual, they returned around midnight, bringing a garland made of Itala (Ita Malli) flowers and placed it in a makeshift temple set up in front of Desibehera’s residence.
One of the key attractions of the festival, the ‘ghata parikrama’ (the procession of the earthen pot), will begin on the third day of the yatra. This part of the celebration is a vibrant and eagerly awaited ritual by the community.
In preparation for the large influx of people, the district authorities have implemented extensive security measures. Over 300 police personnel were deployed on the first day to ensure safety, and at least six platoons will be on duty during the subsequent days. A temporary police control room has been set up on Desibehera Street to manage security concerns.
To maintain cleanliness, the local administration has also mobilized 80 sanitary workers who will work throughout the festival, ensuring proper sanitation in an area expected to witness large crowds.
The Maa Budhi Thakurani Yatra is not just a religious event, but a celebration of tradition, culture, and community. With its roots deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Berhampur, the festival continues to bring together people in a spirit of unity and devotion, making it one of the most cherished festivals in southern Odisha.