The Maha Shivaratri was observed with traditional fervour and gaiety across Mayurbhanj district at various temples. The devotees performed fasting as a mark of their penance irrespective of age, caste and creed. Thousands of lamps were lit in Manatri, Simala and Deosole Shiva temples. These three temples are very renowned.
Kakharua Baidyanath is the name of lord Shiva at Manatri. Here the temple is about 600 years old. Similarly, the Budharahula Matha where a lord Shiva temple is found is over 500 years old. It is located at Chipat Astia across the Budhabalnga river. Simleswar Mahadev is also a very old and renowned temple where the devotees from West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh in addition to Odisha throng every year on the occasion of Shivaratri. The temples at Deosole, Baruni, are also old and popular shrines.
The Shiva temples were decorated with lights and festoons on the occasion. Thousands of burning earthen lamps lent a festive ambience to all the temple sites. The district administration had taken all measures to maintain law and order during the festivities. Besides, all amenities like water and electricity were provided uninterruptedly to major temples. At Manatri and Deosole, a mela is now going on.