Dhenkanal's world-famous Joranda Magha Mela kickstarts

The 125th Joranda Magha Mela is set to begin today at the Mahima Gadi in Dhenkanal’s Joranda. The annual event, organized by the followers of the Mahima religion since 1876, marks a significant occasion for the sect as well as the general public. Thousands of Mahima saints and followers have gathered for the mela, which will continue for two days.

When Does The Mela Take Place?

The mela officially starts on the Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi of the Magha month. In the evening, large “Jhada Dipa” will be lit with quintals of ghee at the Mahima Gadi and in the vicinity of the Shunya Mandir. 

Arrangements At Joranda Magha Mela:

Extensive arrangements have been made by the district administration and the police to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. A separate barricade has also been set up in front of the Gadi Mandir, and vendors from various parts of the state have arrived to set up stalls for the fair.

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Abhinav Sonkar, Dhenkanal SP said, “Ten platoons of police force, and four platoons of home guard have been deployed along with 50 officers for the smooth functioning of Joranda Mela. Keeping every aspect of the Mela in mind, we have made all the arrangements accordingly.”

“Special arrangements have been made for five temples. The main temple, Gadi Mandir has specific arrangements in place at the entry and exit points for hassle-free transactions,” he added further.

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Why Is The Mela Celebrated?

The mela has been held every year by the followers of Mahima Swami, the founder of the Mahima sect, after his demise. After Swami’s death, his followers built a large temple on his grave, with no entrance, as the sect does not believe in worshipping idols. The followers believe that God has no specific shape, size, caste, or colour.

According to legend, Swami, originally known as Jogeswar Das, spent years in deep penance in the Himalayas between 1802 and 1810. Afterwards, he chose Joranda as his permanent residence. During his travels, he rescued poet Bhima Bhoi from a deep hole on his way to Jaka village and accepted him as his first disciple.