A large number of people from Jajpur district and other parts of the State converged on the bank of river Baitarani at the famous Dasasumedha Ghat on the occasion of Pinda Daan ritual for their ancestors on Tuesday.
“All forefathers appreciate a pilgrimage to Dasamedhaghat. Once the Pinda Daan is performed in the Baitarani, one achieves salvation and becomes free of rebirth,” said Aditya Dash, a priest.
As per Vedas, no work can be performed or taken to the heights of success without the blessings of ancestors. Pinda Daan is the only spiritual way to help the restless souls of the deceased have peace, added Dash.
Many devotes blamed the Government for not paying attention towards the cleanliness by the riverside and also complained about the lack of clean drinking water facilities.
“Here by the riverside, there are heaps of garbage lying. “On this traditional occasion, 30,000 people gathered on the riverbank. But many faced difficulties to take bath after giving Pindas. The Government does not pay any attention towards the problem. The river should be maintained well like any other pilgrimage site,” said Smarajit Mohanty of Bari.
“There should be proper maintenance of the river like other pilgrimage site. Trees should be planted here. Cleanliness should be maintained and there should be facility of clean drinking water,” said another visitor.