Berhampur: Putting an end to the uncertainty surrounding the Thakurani Yatra in Berhampur, the biennial event will be conducted for 7 days under strict COVID-19 guidelines. The festival may be subsequently extended after analysing the pandemic situation.
A discussion in this regard was held between Berhampur Municipal Corporation, Commissioner, Sidheswar Baliram B; Berhampur Sub Collector V Kirtivasan; Berhampur MLA Bikram Panda and chief organiser Patarla Durga Prasad Desibehera.
The Desibehera has agreed in principle to the proposal of BeMC Commissioner to allow Thakurani Yatra for 7 days and its subsequent extension after analysing the COVID-19 situation.
After the meeting, Desibehera ‘Subha Khunti’ (auspicious post) would be installed on March 22 and the date for the yatra would be formally announced on that day amidst traditional process.
The rise in COVID-19 cases has posed a serious problem but we have to observe the Thakurani Yatra with tradition and rituals. I am happy that the civic administration has come up with a positive response in allowing the yatra,” said Desibehera.
Installation of the ‘Subha Khunti’ on March 19 was cancelled by Desibehera. Vasudeva Sastry Sidhanti, the traditional astrologer later announced March 22 as another auspicious day for installation of ‘Subha Khunti’.
Ghata Parikrama
The administration has also allowed Ghata Parikrama of Budhi Thakurani, with adherence to COVID guidelines, to limited places as per tradition. Desibehera and the members of yatra committee were also strongly demanding Ghata Parikrama.
BeMC Commissioner appeal
The BeMC Commissioner has appealed people of Berhampur not to invite their near and dear ones from other districts and states to witness the Thakurani Yatra. “We have also requested the yatra organisers not to allow public wash the feet of Budhi Thakurani or touch her feet in the temporary abode,” said Commissioner BeMC Sidheswar Baliram Bondore.
Berhampur MLA appealed people to cooperate.
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