Indus Valley Times

BY AKSHYA ROUT

JAJPUR, JAN 11 : Spiritual fervour gripped the whole of Jajpur after participants accompanying the Jagannath Arpan Raths fanned out in the nook and corner of the district. The processions were carried out on the village streets of all the nine blocks to collect betel nut and raw rice.

There was a lot of fanfare among the people as they waited to welcome the chariots and make their offerings. Local BJD leaders including PRI members were present at every location where the chariots moved through.

Each Rath carries images of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Maa Subhadra with lights and sounds. Kirtan troupes presented Bhajans and chanted ‘Jay Jagannath.’ Earlier, a symbolic pot was consecrated for the collection of the offerings for the Parikrama project launch in Puri.

Therefore, there is an emotional attachment of the area to the Lord. So, people in large numbers are turning up to welcome the chariot, perform puja and making their offerings. Rangolis were drawn by the young girls and women on the streets.

Minster Pritiranjan Ghadei, Other MLA In the District  with all block chairpersons and BDOs have taken a lead role in the smooth passage of the pageant in blocks like Badachana,Dharmasala,Rasalpur,Korei,sukinda,Danagadi,Bari,Jajpur,Dasharathpur and Binjharpur. “The propagation, conservation and protection of Jagannath culture is being carried out under the aegis of ‘Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha’ programme of the State Government.

 The chariots are designed on the theme of Srimandir Parikrama Prakalpa. Women from every household offered fistfuls of raw rice and betel nuts as the chariots rolled on the village roads. The offerings have been kept in local temples which will be sent to Puri on January 15 in a special vehicle.