Bhubaneswar: Over 200 saints from Rishikesh, Haridwar and other parts of the country congregated at Khandagiri in Odisha capital for ‘Magha Mela’, which started today.
The administration has cancelled popular Khandgiri Mela due to corona pandemic but prayers and yajna have been allowed with Covid protocol in place. The saints will conduct puja for nine days at the caves of Khandagiri.
On the first day of the mela, Pancha Sakhas are installed and Ram Charitra Manas is read here. On the second day, a lamp is lit in front of Barabhuja Devi and at the end of the mela, it is dedicated in the yajna.
Arrangements have been made by Kandagiri temple committee for smooth conduct of Magha Mela.
Sources said Lord Ananta Keshari will be brought in a procession from Naga Mutt in Jagamara to Rani Gumpha (cave) in Udaygiri.
However, the devotees are not allowed to Mela this year. Only saints assembled here. They will take part in the rituals.
Also Read: COVID-19: No Khandagiri Mela In Bhubaneswar This Year