Devotees in large numbers arrive in Bhadrak to attend 'Makar Mela'

Bhadrak: With the beginning of seven-day-long 'Makar Mela' at Maa Dappanaikani Peetha in Ishwarpur village under Tihidi block of Bhadrak on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, devotees in large numbers have started to visit the shrine.

Thousands of devotees from different districts including Jajpur, Kendrapara, Keonjhar, and Balasore thronged the shrine to offer special prayers to the Goddess.

“I feel contented after getting a glimpse of the goddess,” said a devotee, Mamata Nayak at the Maa Dapanayakani Peetha.

Devotees were seen offering clay horses, releasing birds and conducting other sacred rituals during the mela.

“Adequate arrangements have been made as we are expecting devotees in lakhs Bhadrak during the seven-day fair at the peetha,” informed chief priest, Ranjit Panda.

On Monday, Makar Sankranti was celebrated with gaiety and camaraderie across Odisha.