It is Jay Jagannath, Jay Jagannath here, there and everywhere in the district as all the roads lead to the ITI Square, where one of the biggest spiritual events is underway under the aegis of the Biswa Jagannath Chetana Sansad, Puri.
The 9-day festival kicked off on Tuesday after the Agyana Mala from lord Jagnnath arrived here following a grand reception and procession around the town. The programme would culminate on January 2.
The Sri Jagannath Chetan Mahadhibeshan is being held here after a gap of six years while the first one was organized in March, 2011. This is the second edition of the Mahadhibeshan for Baleswar and is the 36 edition of Mahadhibeshan. During festival devotees one can witness 32 Veshas (garb) including the extraordinary Nagarjuna and Raghunath Veshas of lord Jagannath, besides get a taste of the chappan bhog (offerings) which are otherwise only available at the Sri Jagannath temple in Puri.
“The objective of the event is to spread Jagannath culture in every nook and corner of the State as well as in India. To bring spirituality among people and wellness of family and society as a whole such events are being organized,” said Pandit Suryanaryan Rathsharma, the main priest of event. Ati Bishnu Sahashra nama Yagyna with veda chanting would be done during the period, he informed .
Thousands of devotees from Odisha and neighbouring States like West Bengal are expected to throng the district.
Around 200 volunteers have been deployed with
the police for traffic management. “For traffic as well as law and order management, a blue print has been prepared and regulated accordingly,” said Paresh Rout, the in-charge police officer.