Dhenkanal, Jan 31: The world-famous Joranda Magha Mela has commenced at the Mahima Gadi in Joranda, drawing thousands of devotees and tourists from across the region. Mahima ascetics started lighting the sacred dhuni (holy fire) early in the morning, while the ceremonial ignition of the fire in the broom (jhada) is scheduled at 5:00 PM at the Gadi Temple.
Over 20,000 sadhus, saints, ascetics, devotees, and visitors from Odisha and neighboring states including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal have gathered for the festival.
This year marks the 153rd Joranda Magha Mela and the bicentenary of Mahima Dharma. As part of the celebrations, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will participate in a special program on February 1. A dedicated venue has been constructed on the eastern side of the Gadi Temple to host the event.
