Bhawanipatna, Oct 11: Despite restrictions imposed by the district administration, hundreds of animals were sacrificed by the devotees on the occasion of ‘Chhatar Jatra’ of Goddess Manikeswari in Bhawanipatna of Kalahandi district. The vibrant and deeply spiritual event kicked off at midnight on Ashtami with a secret ‘Sandhi Puja’, followed by the grand return of Maa’s Chhatar procession from Jenakhal to the temple on Navami morning.
Following tradition, devotees carried the deity's sacred Chhatar, with the route lined by offerings of animal sacrifices, including roosters and goats, marking an intense and ancient ritual. The streets of Bhawanipatna were soaked in the blood of these offerings, creating a powerful and solemn atmosphere. The air reverberated with the sounds of traditional drums and temple bells, adding to the spiritual fervor.
Under the leadership of Kalahandi SP, the law and traffic were managed by an additional SP, 9 DSPs, 18 inspectors, 36 sub-inspectors, 48 ASIs, and 15 platoons of police forces, along with 100 home guards, ensuring the smooth conduct of the event.
Maa Manikeswari’s Chhatar Jatra continues to be one of the most significant religious events in Odisha, blending age-old traditions with profound devotion.
