The thre-day “Grand Hindu Conference” held at Khirpada near Baisinga, 40 km from here, concluded on Monday. The socio-cultural extravaganza organised by the Mayurbhanj unit of the Dharma Jagaran Samanwaya Samiti saw the participation of thousands of people including hundreds of women, tribals and a number of Sadhus.
The Sammelan Sthal had all the characteristics of a Mela and it spread over a large area. Different activities, festivities and events were held. While a grand Yajna took place in one part, the statues of Bharat Mata, lord Hanuman, the Trinity of lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra, Ardhanarishwar, Nava-Gunjar, Birsa Munda and Raghunath Murmu were worshipped in different makeshift temples.
An enlightening exhibition, a Goshala, a health camp and a large stall dedicated to spiritual books were the other attractions. Free distribution of Prasad and Tanka Torani among thousands of men, women and children also parts of the event.
The conference laid emphasis on Indian culture and heritage, indigenous traditions and customs, cow protection, social harmony, environment protection and nationalism. It was addressed by Sadhus like Dayanand Das Maharaj, Paresh Baba, Maharaj, Sruti Sagarji, Haradhan Goswami and Dr Sanat Das and by Dharma Jagaran Samiti zonal chief Dr Binay Kumar Bhuyan, among others.
Several prominent personalities having notable contributions in the socio-cultural and religious fields were also felicitated on the occasion.