Berhampur: The biennial festival of Buddhi Thakurani, popularly known as Thakurani Yatra, ended in the city amid strict COVID-19 guidelines.
Considered the daughter of the Desi Behera (head of the weavers’ community of Berhampur), Buddhi Thakurani stayed with Her father’s family in a temporary abode during the 9-day Yatra, which began on April 9.
“Buddhi Thakurani visited our house at Desi Behera Sahi and stayed here for all these days as my daughter. She returned to her temple or the in-laws’ house on Monday night as per the customs. I am happy that everything passed off peacefully despite the pandemic,” said Desi Behera P Durga Prasad.
Buddhi Thakurani left Her father’s house at 12.20 am towards Mahuri palace where Mahuri Raja Ashok Kumar Narendra Dev offered prayer to the Goddess. Later, the ghata procession of Buddhi Thakurani passed through the scheduled streets. The Goddess reached the main temple at 2.25 am.
‘Podapitha’ was offered to the Goddess by the house of her ‘Mausi’ (presently owned by Srinivas Rao) at Jaura Sahi on the way to the main temple as a tradition. Interestingly, ‘Podapitha’ is not offered to Buddhi Thakurani as prasad in the main temple.
Buddhi Thakurani was offered a cock by the residents of Mochi Sahi near Giri Market along with sweets, fruits and vegetables as per tradition. Though animal sacrifice is banned in the main temple, it is performed during the Goddess’ return journey to the main temple.
Three platoons of police force were deployed to enforce law and order and COVID-19 guidelines during the return journey of Buddhi Thakurani.
