Festive Fervour / Bhadrak gears up for historic Kali puja; Maa Bhadrakali to appear in seven divine forms

Bhadrak, Nov 8: The historic Kali Puja celebrations have begun in Odisha's Bhadrak district on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, bringing the town alive with religious fervour and festive enthusiasm.

At the famous shrine of Maa Bhadrakali, the presiding deity of Bhadrak, devotees to get an opportunity to witness the goddess in seven different forms, collectively known as Saptamatruka, during the annual Kali Puja celebrations.

Maa Bhadrakali assumes the special Saptamatruka appearance only once a year during Kali Puja. On the first day of the festivities, the goddess will be worshipped in her Vedamata form.

Special religious rituals have commenced at the Maa Bhadrakali temple, including the recitation of the Saptachandi and the performance of homa and yajna.

This year's celebrations are particularly significant as the special yajna marks its 25th anniversary. The occasion is being observed as its silver jubilee. As part of the celebrations, 1,001 kalashas will be installed, followed by elaborate homa and yajna rituals.

Meanwhile, Kali Puja celebrations will also be held at 10 different puja pandals across Bhadrak town. Worship of Maa Shyama Kali is scheduled to begin at midnight.

The puja pandals have been decorated with elaborate decorative gates and colourful lighting arrangements, adding to the festive atmosphere across the town.

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With lakhs of devotees expected to visit the celebrations, the district administration and police have made extensive arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the festivities. The historic Kali Puja celebrations in Bhadrak expected to draw large crowds of devotees, making the festival a major religious and cultural attraction in Odisha.