Cuttack, Ap 6: The Hanuman Temple in Kuankpur village, under Kantapada Block, witnessed the successful conclusion of its nine-day Shri Ram Navami festival and the recitation of the Ramcharitmanas.
The celebrations drew devotees not only from nearby villages but also from major cities including Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore. Both Odia and non-Odia followers, along with senior journalists from Odisha’s media industry and renowned Odia film stars, participated in the festivities.
The Purnahuti Mahayajna, a symbolic ritual signifying faith and devotion to Lord Hanuman, was the central event. Chief guest Prabodh Mohanty, President of the Utkal Chamber of Commerce and a distinguished entrepreneur, presided over the ceremony. Other notable attendees included former minister Panchanan Kanungo, Dr. Ashish Solanki from Mumbai’s Leelavati Hospital, gastroenterologist Dr. Sudipta Swain from Chennai Apollo Hospital, Bollywood producer Lalit Paikra, Odia actress Barsha Priya Darshini, and senior journalists from leading Odia news channels. The villagers expressed immense joy at meeting these distinguished guests in person.
Following the Purnahuti, the cultural evening captivated attendees. Highlights included an Odissi dance performance by local talents Monidipa Narendra and Ritesha Acharya, musical performances by singer Junior Kishore Kumar from Mumbai, and melodious Odia bhajans by Lalit Krishna from the Odia film industry. Traditional songs and dances, alongside inspiring speeches by visiting dignitaries, created a positive and encouraging atmosphere for the youth of the village, leaving a lasting impression on the community.
