On the occasion of Anla Nabami on Saturday, thousands of devotees assembled at the Sakhi Gopinath temple at Sakhigopal and viewed the feet of Goddess Radha.
For the first time, the devotees were disallowed to touch the goddess’s feet.
The ritual is observed on the ninth day of the waxing phase of moon in the Kartik month. It is believed that viewing Radha’s feet and worshipping the amla tree on the day brings a great fortune to the devotees. This is the only day in the year when the feet of the goddess can be viewed.
Goddess Radha is decorated with saris and embellishments throughout the year. So her feet are always kept covered. Only on the auspicious day of Anla Nabami, devotees get a chance to view the feet and hence, the ritual is known as Radha Pada darshan. The goddess is decorated in traditional Odia costume on the occasion.