With the farmers performing traditional ‘Akhi Muthi Anukula’, the ritual of sowing seeds in their paddy fields after ploughing their lands, the agrarian festival ‘Akshaya Tritiya’ is being celebrated across Odisha as per the age-old tradition on Sunday.
The day is also performed as State-Level Farmers’ Day in Odisha. On this occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik participated in a special programme organised by the Department of Agriculture at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) farm in Bhubaneswar and performed the ritual of Akhi Muthi Anukula’. ‘Bhumi Pujana’ ritual was also performed during the programme. Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain and other officials were present during the occasion.
“It is a special programme in which CM Patnaik participated. The occasion has been marked by rain which is a good sign for the farmers of Odisha,” said Swain.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs and Jal Shakti Bishweswar Tudu performed the special rituals as per the tradition at Chunadiha under Pattamundai block in Kendrapara district. Many senior BJP leaders and workers also participated in the programme.
“On the great occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, we start many auspicious works. Apart from ‘Akhi Muthi Anukula’, the chariot construction work of Lord Jagannath and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra also starts today for the world-famous Ratha Jatra festival,” said Tudu.
Similarly, senior Congress leader Sura Routray also ploughed the land as per the ritual of the agrarian festival and performed ‘Akhi Muthi Anukula’ along with other farmers at Chhatabar village under Jatni block in Khordha district.
On this occasion, Routray also announced the start of his son Manmath Routray’s political career.
“The weather is fine today and I have full faith in God. Hopefully, there will be a good harvest for the farmers this year,” said Routray.