Bhubaneswar: The Handi Bhanga Yatra of Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar could not be held this year reportedly due to non-cooperation of the sevayats (servitors) of Kapileswar temple on Saturday.
The Handi Bhanga Yatra, which includes important rituals after Maha Shivratri, is held in coordination between the servitors of Lingaraj temple and Kapileswar temple. While Kantia servitors of Lingaraj temple are engaged in the rituals, Palia and Malia servitors take part from Kapileswar temple.
As per the programme set by the state government and the management of the two temples, Kantia servitors performed the rituals in Lingaraj temple on schedule, but Malia servitors did not turn up to render their service in Kapileswar temple. As a result, the rituals in Kapileswar temple could be performed and the Handi Bhanga Yatra was cancelled.
Following this, members of Kapileswar Temple Trust Board and servitors held a meeting with Khurda district collector K Sudarshan Chakraborty and other officials. Speaking to media after the meeting, sub-collector Satyabrata Sahu said a notice has been issued to the servitors who abstained from the rituals.
It may be noted that the Handi Bhanga Yatra was cancelled for ninth consecutive year due to non-participation of the servitors.
