KalingaTV News Network
Bhawanipatna: On the eve of famous Chhatar Jatra at Maa Manikeswari Temple here, hundreds of animals were sacrificed despite a restriction by the district administration.
Thousands of devotees thronged the temple in the morning today and took part in the “Mundabasa” ritual of the Goddess which is observed every year on Shukla Pakhya Astami Tithi in the Odia month of Ashwina. Chhatar Jantra will be observed on Nabami Tithi on which the Goddess would go on a sojourn to Jenakhol and beat the retreat to the temple escorted by devotees. Similarly, a Gupta Puja or the secret worship of the Goddess would also be held on the same day.
However, the Chhatar Jatra became a bloody affair today with the stretch of 4 kms from Jenakhol to the main temple turning sacrificing ground for animals like goats, cocks, sheep and pigeons. These animals were offered to the deity for fulfillment of their wishes. Some devotees who got their wishes fulfilled also released pigeons on the temple of the deity as a mark of devotion. The sacrifices were held despite deployment of 14 platoon police forces and 70 senior officials on the spot.
Akshay Das, Assistant SP Kalahandi had informed that 3 PCR vans were on duty and CCTVs had been installed to keep a watch on the devotees. He had also claimed that the Kalahandi SP himself was reviewing the situation.
Kalinga AI