Bhawanipatna: Even as Kalahandi district administration has imposed prohibitory orders to prevent mass gathering for Chhatar Yatra at Maa Manikeswari temple in the town tomorrow, heavy rush was witnessed on Tuesday in the local market to purchase animals for sacrifice during puja.
According to sources, the ‘Bali Bazaar’ in the town, where animals and birds like goat, sheep and roosters are sold for sacrifice before Manikeswari, was thronged by the people, mostly tribals on the day. These animals and birds will be offered to appease the deity during Chhatar Yatra.
Every year, thousands of people from the district and nearby areas besides those from outside the state make a beeline on the roads to Maa Manikeswari temple to participate in the Yatra. Hundreds of animals and birds are offered by them for sacrifice before the deity on the day. Though the district administration has been trying to dissuade the people from following the gory practice, it has not been successful so far.
Keeping the COVID pandemic in view this year, district collector GP Harshad had on Saturday announced that Chhatar Yatra will be celebrated without participation of devotees to prevent the spread of the disease.
As per its decision, the district administration has imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in the periphery of the temple. It will remain in force till 12 noon tomorrow.
Besides, the entry and exit points of the town have been sealed to prevent gathering of people on the occasion of Chhatar Yatra and 10 platoons of police deployed to maintain law and order.
Also Read: Chhatar Yatra: Sec 144 At Maa Manikeswari Temple In Odisha’s Kalahandi From Oct 12 – Odisha Bytes
