Khandagiri Mela In Bhubaneswar To Start From February 16

Bhubaneswar: Khandagiri Mela and Jatra (open air theatre) in Bhubaneswar will start from third week of February.

According to sources, the famous fair, which is organised on the foothill of Khandagiri and Udayagiri hills, is likely to start on February 16 and continue for two weeks. Last year, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) had allowed the Mela to continue for 12 days amid restrictions as it was held after a break for 2 years due to COVID pandemic.

The fair, also known as Magha Mela, is famous for sale of all types of household items including traditional utensils directly by the producers. The farmers also open stalls for selling their products directly in the Mela.

Apart from these stalls, the Mela is also known for Jatra. But the jatra troupes will stage the plays from February 18. The opera shows will continue till February 29. At least 13 opera troupes will stage their plays this year, the sources said.

Several opera troupes including Saisamrat, Gouri, Suryamandir, Durgamandir, Shivani, Ashok Samrat, Swarna Mahal, Konark, Swarna Mandir, Kalinga and Tulasi are scheduled to set up their stages.

During the fair, a good number of sadhus also turn up at the two hills as originally the Mela was started with their congregation.

The organisers with support from mutts at Khandagiri have started making preparations for smooth conduct of the fair. They are coordinating with various government agencies including BMC in this regard.