Khordha, Jan 15: The famous Makar Mela began at Hatakeswar temple in Atri of Khordha district on Monday, situated within 45 km of the capital city of Odisha.
During Makar Sankranti, a grand ritual is organised at Hatakeswar. Betel nuts are thrown into one of the ponds near the hot spring. Women who have not conceived after marriage observe 'Brata' a day before the Sankrati by worshiping Lord Hatakeswar. They try to find the betel nuts from the holy water. The ones who manage to find a betel nut consume it and it is believed that they get blessed to conceive within a few days.
This year, scores of women have reached the temple premises from Sunday to observe the 'Brata'. Elaborate arrangements have been made by the local administration for smooth celebration of Makar Sankranti to manage large number of visitors.
There is a large pond inside the temple premises where the devotees take dip to get rid of diseases.
