THE 200-YEAR-OLD CHADAK MELA FROM BALASORE. IT IS A VERY SACRED CEREMONY WHERE ARGHYA IS OFFERED TO LORD SHIVA AT CHANDANESWAR TEMPLE. HAVE YOU EVER WITNESSED THIS?
Balasore, Odisha witnessed a significant gathering of devotees at the revered shrine of Lord Chandaneswar for the annual Chadak Mela celebration. Marking the advent of the Oriya month of Bisuva Sankranti, this age-old tradition attracted worshippers from various regions, eager to seek blessings at the Chandaneswar temple.
The month-long festivities, culminating in the revered Chadak Yatra, trace their roots back two centuries, with participants, known as Patuas, fervently praying for their wishes’ fulfillment, transcending caste barriers.
As the festival concluded, the temple administration offered arghya, a ritual homage to Lord Shiva, symbolizing the end of the joyous festivities. The celebration encompasses two phases – Nila Parva and Pata Parva, featuring ancient customs like body piercing and circumambulation around the temple. This year’s gathering, estimated at four lakh devotees, saw meticulous coordination between the district administration and temple authorities, ensuring the seamless execution of rituals and crowd management measures.
