The much-awaited festival dedicated to Maa Budhi Thakurani commenced in Berhampur on Friday with an awe-inspiring night-time procession, marking the revered Goddess’s ceremonial arrival at ‘Bapa Ghara’—her paternal home.
Devotees Mesmerized by Grand Procession
Thousands of devotees thronged the streets as the air resonated with the powerful sounds of ‘veera kahali’ and ‘singha baja,’ traditional Odia musical instruments that set the rhythm of the vibrant celebration. The beats of the ‘dhol mahuri’ further amplified the excitement, immersing the city in a rich cultural spectacle.
City Immersed in Spiritual Fervor
The festivities continued into the early hours, with Maa Budhi Thakurani ceremoniously installed in a temporary pavilion at around 3:40 AM. Devotional hymns and prayers filled the atmosphere as devotees welcomed the Goddess with unbridled enthusiasm.
The arrival of Maa Budhi Thakurani has infused Berhampur with a profound sense of joy and devotion. “The Goddess will rest in the pavilion today, with all rituals performed here before she begins visiting various places from tomorrow,” stated temple priest Manoj Kumar Gantayat.
The festival, deeply rooted in Berhampur’s cultural heritage, will see devotees engaging in traditional prayers and grand celebrations in the coming days, keeping alive an age-old tradition of faith and festivity.
