Dhenkanal: The world famous week-long Joranda Mela kicked off at Joranda in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district on Monday.
The Joranda Mela is also known Prabhu Purnima Utsav and falls on Magha Chaturdashi or Magha Purnima, the full moon day of the Hindu calendar month of Magha. This is the 146th Utsav to be celebrated in Joranda Gadi (Joranda Temple).
The most awaited Jhada Deepa (sacred fire) will be lit up at the Joranda Gadi at 5.15pm on Monday.
Lakhs of devotees from different parts of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Nepal and Bhutan have already arrived at Mahima Gadi for the Mela, as have thousands of sadhus (hermits). A cultural function will also be held on the occasion.
Drinking water, first aid and ambulance arrangements have been made for the devotees, and parking facilities for the visitors. CCTV cameras have been installed at different places to monitor the situation.
