Balasore: Lakhs of devotees today thronged the sacred Chandaneswara temple in Balasore district to participate in Nila Parva, which is one of the important part of the traditional Chadak Mela.
As per tradition, devotees took a dip in Nila pond and offered thier prayers to the deity at the temple. It is believed that several diseases get cured after bathing in the holy pond.
The district administration has made elaborate arrangements for the Chadak Mela at the shrine.
Official source said 15 platoons of police force including 50 officers have been deployed to maintakin law and order and smooth conduct of the festival. Besides, 100 police volunteers have been engaaged while the entire area has been put under CCTV scanner, said B. Jugal Kishore, Balasore SP.
Chadak Mela is observed in two parts – Nila Parva and Pata Parva. Special prayers and 13 types of rituals performed during the 13-day long festival which begins from the first day of Chaitra month. The Pata Parva is celebrated on the 13th day.
“Lakhs of devotees witness the Chadak Mela at Chandaneswara temple every year to get relief from searing heat and offer prayers to the deity,” said Subas Panigrahi, a devotee.
During Pata Parva, devotees would pierce their body with nails and move in a procession, said Buddhadeb Panda, a servitor.