Harirajpur’s Dola Melana a unique festival of colours and fireworks

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Harirajpur’s Dola Melana

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It is also called Panchu Dola festival because the deities of five major Shiva temples take part in melana.

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Paschimasambhu Somnath Dev, the presiding deity of Harirajpur, invites deities to Harirajpur to play Holi.

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Deities from around 80 nearby villages are brought in colourful processions in their palanquins & Holi is played for four days.

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The melan dates back to 17th century. It is said two villagers named Babaji Gobardhan Das and Nitei Sahu started this festival in 1637.

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Fireworks are another prime attraction of Harirajpur’s Melana. Devotees here light fireworks for the deities instead of any edible or monetary offerings.