Post News Network
Thakurmunda, April 15: In a rare display of penance and devotion, followers of Maa Basuli, the presiding deity of Thakurmunda, observed Uda Parba coinciding with Maha Vishuva Sankranti amid much fanfare Tuesday.
On the eve of the festival, Bhaktas (devotees) observed Jagar Yatra (festival of staying awake throughout the night) at the small town here in tribal-dominated Mayurbhanj district. Hundreds of devotees sat outside the temple lighting earthen lamps throughout the Monday night. In the late night, a box of anchor-shaped spikes was brought from the house of Dehury (chief priest) after performing certain rituals.
As many as 63 Bhaktas with traditional attires spiked their bodies and reached the temporary stage created by a wooden bar connecting two wooden poles arranged outside the temple. The devotees had to swing around the wooden bar with their pierced bodies hanged by ropes. The ritual started late Monday night and completed in the wee hours of Tuesday.
After the all the devotees completed their turn one after another, the spikes were removed from their bodies. These iron nails were then polished with vermilion and kept in the box to be used in the next year.
As per the traditions, goats, cocks and hens are sacrificed before the goddess. However, in the last three years there is no animal sacrifice in the Goddess’ shrine.
Devotees of the goddess had to perform several rituals including procession with pots full with water for nine days before the Maha Vishuva Sankranti also known as Pana Sankranti. Police had taken extensive measures to maintain peace at the festival venue.