Hundreds of animals sacrificed during Chhatar Yatra in Kalahandi

Bhawanipatna: Hundreds of animals were sacrificed as the famous Chhatar Yatra of Goddess Manikeswari began amid much religious fervour here in Kalahandi district.

According to sources, the ‘Mundabasa’ ritual of the Goddess was performed at the temple here on Ashtami tithi today at the midnight.

Later, the Goddess was taken out to Jenakhala on the western side of the town, some four kilometres away where the ‘Gupta Puja’ (Secret Worship) of the Goddess was held early morning.

Meanwhile, the Chhatar of the Goddess is being brought back in a large procession to the temple and is expected to reach the main temple by noon.

As per rituals, animals are sacrificed on the road during the procession of Chhatar, the return journey of the Goddess, from Jenakhala to the main temple. Devotees also release pigeons for fulfilment of their wishes.

#WATCH: Chhatar Yatra of Goddess Manikeswari begins amid much religious fervour at Bhawanipatna in #Kalahandi district #Odisha pic.twitter.com/vg7oE2kVEk

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Meanwhile, lakhs of devotees from and outside the State have thronged the town to witness the Jatra.

The district administration has made elaborate security arrangements for smooth conduct of both Chhatar Jatra and Maha Astami Puja of Goddess Durga. At least 13 platoons of police forces have been deployed to maintain law and order during animal sacrifice.