Balasore: The celebration of Dussehra in Odisha’s Balasore holds a special significance. The display of martial arts by different ‘Akhadas’ on Hanuman temple premises is the major attraction of the festival in the town.
On the day of ‘Ashtami’ of Navratri, the members of ‘Akhadas’ (martial arts clubs) from across the district along with their weapons arrive at Mahavir temple located at Makalpur in the town. They perform puja of the traditional weapons comprising lathis (sticks), different types of swords, shields and others. They also seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman, who is considered as the Lord of physical strength and valour, before starting the display of their skills in the risky sport.
This year also, the members of Akhadas went around the town in a procession armed with the traditional weapons and arrived at the Mahavir temple on Monday on the occasion of Ashtami puja. After offering ‘Salami’ to the deity, they started their display of martial arts. They performed different forms of the arts like ‘Banati’, ‘Rukmar’, ‘Chhedibadi’, ‘Pharibadi’ and movement of swords.
[Watch] Martial Art Display Major Attraction Of Dussehra In This Odisha Town – YouTube
The Akhada members from children to old people participated in the display. Even adolescent girls and married women also came forward to showcase their skills in wielding the weapons in front of hundreds of people inside the temple.
The district administration made adequate security arrangements with deployment of police forces to prevent any untoward incident during the martial show. Balasore district collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, SP Sudhanshu Sekhar Mishra and other officials were also presetnt.
Former chief minister and freedom fighter Harekrushna Mahtab had started the martial arts display by the Akhadas in Balasore in 1925. He had initiated the public show in memory of Odia Paikas (soldiers) who had laid down their lives while bravely fighting against the Britishers. It is being followed till date to keep the spirit of patriotism alive and mark the courage and valour of the people of the state to protect their motherland.
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