Berhampur: The Maa Budhi Thakurani Yatra, one of South Odisha’s largest religious carnivals, commenced early Friday morning amid tight security arrangements. The festival, which will continue until April 28, started with the ceremonial arrival of the presiding deity at her father’s house in Desbehera Street.
Following age-old traditions, P. Durga Prasad Desibehera, considered the deity’s father, led a procession to Thakurani temple Thursday to extend the ceremonial invitation. At midnight, the procession returned with the sacred Itala flower garland, which was then placed in a specially constructed makeshift shrine. “The ghata parikrama will start from the third day,” said Desibehera, the festival’s chief organiser.
SP (Berhampur) Saravana Vivek M told reporters that over 300 police personnel have been deployed for the opening day, with six platoons scheduled for duty throughout the festival period. “We have established a temporary police control room at Desbehera Street and installed surveillance cameras at the makeshift temple,” he added.
The festival transforms the silk city into a vibrant cultural spectacle, featuring mythological characters, elaborate costumes, and decorated chariots parading through illuminated streets. According to Hrusikesh Panigrahy, a retired All India Radio officer, the festival was probably initiated by weavers from South India with support from Mahuri estate zamindars. Mayor (Berhampur) Sanghamitra Dalei announced that 80 sanitation workers have been deployed to maintain cleanliness during the festival.