Durga Puja in Rayagada’s Brahman Sahi: Cultural gatherings to enliven 7 days
Dr.Badal TahOdishabarta
Rayagada, 19 Oct: The 65th Sharadiya Durga Puja festival, oldest in Rayagada town, is being celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm at the Durga Mandap in Brahman Sahi of Rayagada town from October 17 to October 23. For this occasion, the Brahman Sahi Sharadiya Durga Puja Committee has drawn up a schedule detailing ritual worship alongside diverse cultural programs.
The schedule for October 17 included Bilvadhivasa, Mangalaropana, Ankuraropana, Gangadhivasa, and the Agyanmala ceremony of the village deity (Grama Devi). On October 18, the Saptami Vihita Puja, Navapatrika Mahasnana, Netrotsava, and installation (Pratistha) of the deity’s idol took place. On October 19, Maha Ashtami, Chamunda Devi Puja, and Sandhi Puja were performed. On October 20, Maha Navami Puja along with Shodasha Kanya Puja will be held. On October 21, the Dashami Vihita Puja, Aparajita Puja, Homa, Purnahuti, and Ghata Visarjan (immersion of the sacred pot) will be carried out. The festivities will culminate on October 23 with the idol immersion of the clay goddess.
A variety of cultural and entertainment programs have been organized every evening throughout the festival. Performances by local artists were slated for October 17, followed by a Rayagada Musical Evening on October 18, dance programs on October 19, KCR Melody on October 20, Ravana Podi (burning of Ravana’s effigy) on October 21, and another musical evening on October 22. On October 23, the immersion procession (Bhasani Utsav) will take place following a grand tour of the town.
The committee has extended an open invitation to devotees and the public to attend the celebrations, receive Mother Durga’s blessings, and make the festival a grand success.
