Odisha: Uncertainty Over Venue And Visitors For Khandagiri Mela Continues

Bhubaneswar: With Covid-19 guidelines still in place, uncertainty over the organisation of the upcoming Khandagiri Mela in the Capital continues as the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is still indecisive over the number of visitors and venue for the famous event.

The annual Khandagiri-Udaygiri Mahotsav, commonly known as Khandagiri Mela is organised every year on ‘Magha Saptami’ in the foothills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri mountains. However, due to the on-going construction work of the National Highway, the venue of the age old festival is still filled with debris.

“It will not be possible to organise the festival at the regular venue this year due to the on-going construction works. We are searching for an alternative venue this year,” said BMC Commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary.

“We have discussed with the Chief Secretary and Special Relief Commissioner about the possible venue for the festival. There are possibilities of organising the mela by splitting the events at different locations this year,” said Chaudhary.

BMC is also yet to take a decision regarding the number of visitors to be allowed at the festival venue. Keeping in mind the Covid-19 pandemic, giving permission to 50% of the regular crowd to the mela has evoked mixed reaction from different sections of the people in Bhubaneswar.

“The final decision about the number of visitors and venue will be taken today after discussion with the organisers,” Chaudhary clarified.

It is worth mentioning that every year, seers from Banaras, Kashi and Ayodhya gather for the mela organised in the backdrop of the famous mountains of Udayagiri and Khandagiri.

Traders and craftsmen from all over the country also gather at the place and more than one lakh people visit the event daily.

Apart from enjoying foods and cultural programmes, people also get to watch drama or operas performed by several famous jatra troupes at the festival. Besides, they also buy merchandises such as utensils, bamboo and stone carvings and various household items from the stalls put up at the mela.