Bhabanipatana: The famous Chhatar Yatra of Goddess Manikeswari, the presiding deity of Kalahandi, will be celebrated with great fervour in Bhabanipatana Monday, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the district and beyond.
The town has been bustling with activity ahead of the festival, with a spiritual atmosphere prevailing across the area.
Devotees gathered at the temple Sunday morning for darshan, which will remain suspended from Sunday noon until 4pm Monday as part of the rituals.
Following worship at Jenakhal, the goddess’s ceremonial ‘Chhatar’ will begin its journey towards the temple between 5am and 5:15am Monday.
The festival is also expected to witness animal sacrifices by devotees fulfi lling their vows. Around 35 cultural troupes, including traditional Ghumura performers and bell ensembles, will take part in the procession.
The district administration and police have made elaborate security arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival.
Fifteen platoons of police personnel, 95 police officers and more than 100 home guards will be deployed. Barricades have been erected along major roads leading to the town, including routes from Junagad, Thuamul Rampur, Kesinga and Narla.
Three police control rooms have been established at Jenakhal, Bhagirathi Hotel and the Manikeswari temple.
As many as 25 CCTV cameras, along with drone surveillance, will monitor the procession from Jenakhal to the temple. Kalahandi Superintendent of Police Nagaraj Devarakonda announced the arrangements at a press conference and appealed for public cooperation to ensure a peaceful festival.
