Thakurani Yatra: Chief Organiser Appeals To Follow COVID-19 Norms In Berhampur

Berhampur: Patala Durga Prasad Desibehera, considered as the father of Budhi Thakurani and chief organiser of Thakurani Yatra, extended cooperation to the Ganjam district administration to observe the biennial festival under strict COVID-19 guidelines and appealed to the public to cooperate.

“There is a resurgence of COVID-19 in many parts of India and some areas of Odisha. We must realise the situation and celebrate the Thakurani Yatra this year just to continue the traditional rituals in accordance with the protocols enacted by the sub-collector, Berhampur V Keerthi Vasan,” said Desibehera.

Public gathering is restricted under Section 144 of CrPC during the procession of Maa Budhi Thakurani across all streets covering Desibehera Sahi, Nadiagurji, Bada Bazar Chhack, Khaspa Sahi, Peddawari Sahi and Kharuda Sahi from 6 pm on April 9 to 6 am on April 10, said Sub Collector Berhampur.

Desibehera and his family members would go from Desibehera Sahi to Budhi Thakurani temple and back to the temporary abode with the bunch of ‘etamalliphula’ kept in a pot symbolising it as the Goddess.

The sub-collector, who is also the Incident Commander for COVID-19, said not more than 25 priests/pujakas/authorised persons by the organisers shall be allowed during the procession. They have to wear masks at all times and shall sanitise their hands at regular intervals.

Use of public address system and entertainment programme are prohibited during the procession. There shall be no sahi parikrama and the deity shall move directly from Budhi Thakurani Temple to temporary abode without any halt or stoppage with proper cordoning by the police.

Any person found violating the order shall be liable to be prosecuted  under section 188 of IPC and also under relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act 2005 and also under Epidemic Diseases Act 1897, the sub-collector said.

“We would start procession from Desibehera Sahi at 10 pm and reach the temple at about midnight on April 9. We would come with Budhi Thakurani from the temple to Desibehera Sahi and place the Goddess in the ‘Asthai Mandir’ during the wee hours on April 10,” said Desibehera.

Earlier on the day, Desibehera went to the Budhi Thakurani temple to formally invite Her to the parental home at Desi Behera Sahi.