The 'Dola Melana' of Harirajpur in Khordha is quite famous for its unique celebration. The annual festivities start five to ten days after Holi and continues for a month.
By: Poonam Singh
Last updated: 17 Mar 2023, 03:49 PM IST
Harirajpur’s Dola Melana
It is also called Panchu Dola festival because the deities of five major Shiva temples take part in melana.
Paschimasambhu Somnath Dev, the presiding deity of Harirajpur, invites deities to Harirajpur to play Holi.
Deities from around 80 nearby villages are brought in colourful processions in their palanquins & Holi is played for four days.
The melan dates back to 17th century. It is said two villagers named Babaji Gobardhan Das and Nitei Sahu started this festival in 1637.
Fireworks are another prime attraction of Harirajpur’s Melana. Devotees here light fireworks for the deities instead of any edible or monetary offerings.