Unlike other places, the Car Festival in the district headquarters town is observed in adherence to a different tradition.
Banthia Jagannath Temple in the town is an old shrine and the annual fest is also equally old. Keeping in view the antiquity of the temple, the Government had renovated it in the late seventies.
The specialty of Rath Yatra of the temple here is the Chherra Pahara, cleaning of chariot surface with broom sticks before pulling of the chariot, is conducted by a police officer, the in –charge of the town police station. It is continuing since 1976.
The temple was in dilapidated state for years. While local people made efforts to renovate it, the then IIC Pratap Dash played a key role to re-erect the temple.
“The temple was rebuilt out of a lot of initiatives of the then Inspector Pratap Dash. While he was the first person to do the Chherra Pahara, the tradition of getting the ritual performed by a police officer is continuing till date,” said 69- year-old Nibash Chandra Panda, who is the head priest of the temple.
“I came to know about my responsibilities during the Rath Yatra from the temple committee. Further, I have been asked to perform the rituals what my predecessors did during their tenures as a mark of continuing with the traditions. I also observed other associated rituals before the Chherra Pahara and indeed, I consider myself fortunate to shoulder the pious responsibilities,” said IIC Bijay Murmu.
“The IIC is part of our Rath Yatra. He was informed about his duties and responsibilities in advance. Besides, he is offered with new joda (clothes) and conducts the rituals as per the tradition. The chariot is being pulled after receiving Agnya Mala, permission from the lord,” temple committee secretary Sudhasindhu Panda said.
The locals feel that it is a noble tradition as it helps them build good rapport with police.
The police station on the Rath Yatra offered free Prasad to all the devotees accompanying the deities. Further, it also erected a stage for devotional programme for 10 days.
