Unique tradition of donation on Kartika Purnima in Balasore

Balasore: Thousands of people thronged Balighat area in the district as per a tradition to donate beggars on the occasion of Kartika Purnima on Friday.

Known as ‘Bhikshuk Mela’ in local parlance, thousands of beggars from the State and outside including West Bengal and Jharkhand thronged reached Balighat to participate in the event.

“Kartika is a holy month and people usually donate money, rice, pulses and other items as per their capacity to beggars,” said a devotee.

According to a popular belief, people can earn virtues by donating clothes and other items to the beggars after taking a holy dip and sailing miniature boat in Budhabalanga river on the occasion of Kartika Purnima. It is this belief that beggars from other parts of the country also visit the place here.

Another devotee said, “Our forefathers will attain salvation through our charity and such donation can also help the poor.”