Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will visit Sonepur on February 1 for the historic return of twelve rare Gopalji idols and the sacred Maghamela celebrations.
He will land at Rameshwar Stadium by helicopter at 10 a.m. before proceeding for darshan of the idols, stolen forty-two years ago from the Gopalji temple.
In 1993, the CBI seized the idols in Delhi and later kept them in Bhubaneswar. With the combined efforts of the state government and district administration, the idols have now been restored to the temple. Since January 25, rituals and purification ceremonies have been performed at the temple. On February 1, Lord Gopalji will be ceremonially enthroned. The Chief Minister will witness the event and seek blessings.
Majhi will also visit Khaliapali to pay homage at the Bhima Bhoi Samadhi Peeth during the sacred Maghamela. His program includes darshan at Paduka Mandir and Bhima Bhoi’s Samadhi, followed by the inauguration of a massive temple bell weighing two quintals and twelve kilograms.
Preparations are in full swing. On Tuesday, District Collector Nriparaj Sahu and the Samadhi Peeth Trust Chairman inspected arrangements at Khaliapali. On Wednesday, senior administrative officers, including Additional SP K.K. Hariprasad, DSP Baikunthanath Bihari Seth, SDPO Renuka Suna, and local police officials reviewed security measures. They also held discussions with Trust Board President Chhatradhari Agrawal, Secretary Janmejaya Swain, Maghamela Committee President Purnachandra Bagarti, and local committee leaders to ensure the success of the Chief Minister’s visit.
The event marks a historic moment for Sonepur, blending cultural heritage with spiritual significance.
ALSO READ: Fire at Trilochan Netralaya in Jharsuguda Destroys Lab Equipment, Patients Safe
