Patna: With the devastation caused by extremely severe cyclonic storm ‘Fani’ still fresh in mind and ravaged places still struggling to get back to normalcy, a rumour of another cyclone hitting Odisha, May 14, has panicked women who performed special puja and ‘Jalabhishek’ of Lord Shiva.
The incident reportedly occurred in Laxmipasi village of Kathbhari panchayat under Sadar block in Keonjhar district where womenfolk belonging to ‘Bathudi’ community performed the rituals.
According to a source, these panic-stricken women had their baths early in the morning. Then they reached Anandeswar Shiva temple at Patna headquarters in a procession, covering a distance of eight kilometres, carrying pots full of water and green coconuts. They performed a ritual called ‘Jalabhishek’ to please the lord.
When asked, these women said they had done this only to appease the lord who in turn would protect the humans from another cyclone.
Local residents frowned upon the victimised women performing rituals like walking as long as eight kilometers under scorching sun. They urged the administration to find out those rumour-mongers and discipline them accordingly.
PNN
