Amid the ongoing tussle between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over ownership of 21 out of 28 villages of Kotia panchayat under Pottangi block, tribals celebrated Rath Yatra with much enthusiasm on the second day of the festival.
Situated at a height of 1,024 metres above mean sea level (MSL) and around 60 km from the district headquarters, the Jagannath Temple in Kotia was established in 2002 by the Jagannath Temple managing committee (JMTC) of Sabara Srikhetra, Koraput.
The Rath Yatra has been celebrated here annually since its establishment, with the main events taking place on the festival’s second day.
The rituals of ‘pahandi’ (procession) and ‘chhera pahanra’ (sweeping of the chariot) are performed by a tribal village headman on the first day, with the chariot being pulled a few steps as part of the ceremonies.
“After observing the festival at Koraput, the temple committee members and priest of Sabara Srikhetra come to Kotia on the second day for the Rath Yatra,” said Sukant Patnaik, block development officer, Pottangi.
The Rath Yatra at Kotia has become an important festival for the tribals, attracting hundreds of people from nearby villages who gather in traditional attire to witness chariot pulling.
Tribal men and women play traditional musical instruments and dance as the chariot rolls.
Unlike other Jagannath temples where a Brahmin conducts the puja, at Kotia, the rituals are conducted by Maguri Tatingi, a priest of the Kondh community.
The day after, a Brahmin from Sabara Srikhetra arrives to perform the rituals.