For the first time in 48 years, the ongoing Thakurani Yatra here was disrupted by the Kandhamal district administration by closing the Meena Bazaar and not permitting to make idols and decorations and not using sound systems.
locals questioned as to how without idols, cultural programmes and Meena Bazaar, the festival would continue.
They also alleged that the district administration is creating disturbance among the people and said nowhere in India this type of attitude of a district administration is seen.
The locals threatened that they would hold demonstrations against the insensitive attitude of the administration. They said the administration’s act is disrespect to Goddess Narayani.