To mark the holy sojourn of Saint Anukula Chandra to Puri 93 years back, a function was held here on Sunday with much religious fervor in presence of a sea of devotees from across India and Bangladesh.
In a big procession, the followers went to Penthakata in the city carrying statue of Anukula Chandra in a well decorated chariot, which began from their mutt near Chakratitha Road. The followers also gathered in a religious congregation here to listen to the holy lecturers by a dozen of eminent personalities.
Some charity programmes were also undertaken by the organizers for the common people. Participated by renowned doctors, a medical conference was held with thousands of poor people in Puri getting treatment and medicines free of cost. This besides, thousands of women participated in the mother conference to share their ideas and thoughts as to how to get rid of conflicts in daily life and live in peace.
Among the dignitaries, Ajya Sabha member and Padmabhuhan Raghunath Mohapatra, former Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Puri Collector Jyotiprakash Dash, chairman of conference NC Tripathy, secretary Damabarudhar Das, chief advisor Dr Binayak Mahapatra, Puri ADPRO Jitendriya Jena, Sridhara Sundar Mishra and Swadhina Kumar Das were present.
Notably, way back on January 2, 1922, Anukula Chandra who was great religious preacher of that time hailing from East Pakistan (today Bengladesh) had visited Puri on invitation of Janakinath Bose and his wife Pravabati Devi, the parent of Netaji Subash Chadra Bose.
Anukula Chandra had visited the Jaganath Temple and was staying for many days in Haranath Lodge of Puri with the parents of Netaji. National figure like Deshabandhu Chitaranjan Das was also his follower.