Annual ‘Chhatar Jatra’ celebrated in Kalahandi, animals sacrificed to ‘appease’ Maa Manikeswari

The district of Kalahandi on Friday dazzled in lights, decorations, dance, and music on the auspicious ‘Chhatar Jatra’ of Maa Manikeswari. Every year on Maha Asthami, the 8th day of the annual Durga Puja, Kalahandi celebrates the annual ‘Chhatar Jatra’ of Maa Manikeswari, the presiding goddess of Kalahandi.

This year is also no different. The streets of Bhawanipatna, the district headquarters town of the tribal-dominated district, are thronged by devotees who sacrificed animals in huge numbers.

As part of the centuries-old tradition, hundreds of goats and hens were sacrificed to ‘appease’ Maa Manikeswari. The procession of the presiding goddess started as early as 4 am.

As per the tradition, the Vijay Chhatar (Umbrella of victory) was brought out from Jenakhal on the outskirts of the town after 4 am today. This holy Chhattar will reach in a procession to the Maa Manikeshwari temple in the palace premises at 12 noon.

Two doves, a black one and a white one (symbolizing peace and friendship) are seen sitting and flying around the chhatar (holy umbrella) during the procession. Meanwhile, devotees are eagerly waiting for the arrival of the holy Vijay Chhattar at the Maa Manikeshwari temple of Bhawanipatna.

It is to be noted that a ritualistic secret worship was performed at Jenakhal yesterday night.

The Chhatar procession witnessed a massive footfall of devotees, both tribals and non-tribals, at Bhawanipatna town. Lakhs of people congregated with devotees from neighbouring states like Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh also taking part in the festival.

“I have come all the way from Jajpur to participate in the Chhatar Jatra and seek blessings of Maa Manikeswari. Lakhs of devotees like me have come here. There is a belief that every wish comes true when you offer prayers. I seek her blessings to eradicate poverty, pain, and sadness from everyone’s life and bring happiness and prosperity,” said a devotee.

Similarly, another devotee said, “I have come from Bhubaneswar. I had once come here 4-5 years back. Since then I have been coming every year to seek the blessings of Maa Manikeswari. This is a very unique festival and is one of the biggest in western Odisha.”