The villagers of Karo under Kendrapara block on Saturday worshipped a rare yellowish colour turtle by keeping it at a citadel. It was found at the backyard of one Bikas Chandra Das. The villagers took it for granted that the turtle is the incarnation of lord Jagannath.
The rare turtle kept in a platter was offered flowers and bel leaves. Besides, villagers surrounding it were performing a puja.
According to Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary Ranger Subrat Kumar Patra, the turtle is not a rare or endangered one. It is generally found everywhere, mostly in water bodies. The size of the turtle is small. Such type of turtle is generally kept in aquariums in hotels and business houses.
Patra said that the locals should release the turtle in nearby water bodies instead of keeping it with them and worshipping it as lord Jagannath.