Bhawanipatna, Oct 1: The streets of Bhawanipatna in Odisha’s Kalahandi district turned into a sea of devotion on Tuesday as nearly five lakh devotees participated in the annual ‘Chhatar Jatra’ of Maa Manikeswari, held during Maha Ashtami as part of Durga Puja festivities. Hundreds of goats and hens were sacrificed on the roads here as part of the rituals.

Massive Turnout and Tight Security

The grand procession began at 5 AM, tracing a 3-km route from Jenakhal to the Maa Manikeswari temple. Traditional tribal music like ‘Jena Badya’ and ‘Ghumura Badya’ echoed through the streets as devotees, dressed as warriors and demons, danced and chanted in reverence. Kalahandi SP Nagaraj Devarakonda confirmed that the event concluded peacefully, with 20 platoons of police deployed to manage the massive crowd.

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Ritual Sacrifice Sparks Debate

Despite repeated appeals from authorities and awareness campaigns, hundreds of goats and hens were sacrificed openly on the streets. A symbolic buffalo sacrifice marked the beginning of the ritual, followed by mass slaughter deeply rooted in the traditions of the Kandha tribe. “We cannot stop the practice unless locals cooperate,” said a senior official, acknowledging the cultural sensitivity surrounding the ritual.

Cultural Legacy and Royal Presence

Chhatar Jatra is a unique confluence of tribal, royal, and non-tribal traditions. The ritual journey of Maa Manikeswari is believed to be secretive and sacred. Continuing the royal legacy, Maharaja Anant Pratap Deo received the procession at the temple gates. Similar celebrations were observed in Thuamul Rampur and Madanpur Rampur, reinforcing the festival’s regional significance.