The famous biennial Maa Taradevei Thakurani Yatra at lanjipalli on the outskirts of Brahmapur was concluded. About 50,000 devotees from far and wide thronged the city to have their darshan of Goddess Maa Taradevi. They took part on the return journey of the Goddess to her main temple in a massive procession.
During the yatra, eleven chariots reflecting idols of different gods and goddesses, namely, Rama, lakshman, Surya, Aditya, etc along with 25 Kalakunjas remained as the main attraction for the devotees. The entire lanjipalli area was illuminated and devotees in different attires were attracting the crowd as Maa Tara Devi Thakurani returned to her permanent temple in a huge procession en route Adua Street, Dandasi Sahi, Bapuji Nagar, Chandi Mandir, Ushakuthi Mandir, Paschim Adua Sahi, Kalinji Sahi, Radhakanta Matha Sahi, Brahman Sahi and Thakurani Mandir Sahi after performing final puja archana in the house of the royal family. Prior to return to her permanent temple, 108 Maha Aratis were performed.
Though there were designated places for doctors and health care staff near the yatra place, but surprisingly no doctor or health officialsb were seen on duty when this correspondent visited at 8pm. A 75-year-old devotee sustained injury in his leg while proceeding towards the adobe of the deity for darshan.
Yatra committee advisor Jagannath Sabat and other members of the committee came to the rescue of the old man for first aid, but not the health care staff. Former Deputy Speaker and National Vice President of BJP Krushak Morcha Ram Chandra Panda witnessed the festival as an invitee. Among other dignitaries, Prof KC Panda, BJD leader Uma Nayak, Saroj Kumar Panda, N Rajendra Kumar, Hrusikesh Patra, Kali Charan Choudhury and Jagannath Sabat were present.
The royal family was represented by Bhagbat Prasad Singh Deo who is the traditional custodian of the famous festival and is the president of the lanjipalli Yatra Managing Committee.