Baripada, Nov 4: The 31st edition of the renowned Jagadhatri Mela has officially kicked off at the Jagadhatri field in Bhajpur in Baripada. The inauguration ceremony took place on Monday night at around 8:00 PM, marking the beginning of the grand cultural and religious event.

The fair commenced with the rituals of Maa Jagadhatri's puja, and cultural performances from across Odisha and other states have been organized as part of the celebrations. Every year, the fair sees a variety of unique and beautiful ceremonial arches constructed for the worship of Maa Jagadhatri. This year, a high-profile arch inspired by the famous "Hyderabad Secretariat" of India has been created, adding a new architectural feature to the fair.

The fair is expected to draw a large crowd, and elaborate arrangements have been made for crowd control and safety, ensuring peaceful participation. In addition to the religious rituals, the fair also serves as a platform for cultural exchange, with many visitors traveling from outside the state to participate in the event.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries, including Mamata Mahant, Member of the Rajya Sabha, who attended as the chief guest. Other distinguished guests included Mayurbhanj District Collector Hemakanta Say, District Police Chief Varun Guntupalli, and Committee Chairman Krishnananda Mohanty, who were also present to officially inaugurate the fair by lighting the ceremonial lamps.

The fair is expected to be a significant cultural event, attracting a vast number of devotees and tourists over the coming days.