Bolangir, Mar 4: The Harihar Bhet festival, a significant religious event in the region, took place yesterday, following the lunar eclipse. Celebrated in the Malpada and Tikrapada areas of Bolangir, this festival is a tradition that has been followed by the locals for many years.

The festival began with a procession from the Ashutosh temple in Malpada, where the idol of Lord Shiva was carried in a grand procession, making its way through the city to the Ram Mandir. Similarly, from the Jagannath Mandir in Tikrapada, the procession of Lord Hari proceeded to Ram Mandir, where both deities met. Devotees gathered to witness this auspicious union and performed prayers and rituals.

After offering their prayers at the temples, devotees followed the tradition of ‘Jugal Darshan.’ The procession ended with a visit to their respective temples, concluding the festival with prayers and rituals.

This annual festival also holds a message of unity and brotherhood, as it is marked by a communal gathering and sharing of festive greetings.