Sambalpur: Hanuman Jayanti celebrations in Sambalpur passed off peacefully on Monday when around 50 processions featuring tribal and folk dance groups, and traditional Akhada khel performances were taken out in the town. Union minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan, who attended the celebrations, said, “Following an unfortunate incident two years ago, the community pledged to celebrate this festival with renewed unity and grandeur.” Last year, there were no celebrations as in 2023 there were violence during 2023 festival.
Devotees from neighbouring districts joined the celebrations, with local Hanuman temples distributing “prasad” throughout the day. “This is a historic celebration, unprecedented in scale. Sambalpur is demonstrating its unity to the nation,” said Sudhir Bohidar, a Hanuman Jayanti organiser.
The main procession, originating from Dhankauda area, culminated at the Ram temple in Brookshill. Earlier in the day, Pradhan paid tributes to Dr BR Ambedkar at Modipara Chowk, highlighting the social reformer’s contributions to the country. He also inaugurated the “Pushpakrushi Palihaus” under the CSIR-Pushpakrushi Mission and laid the foundation stone for a farmer’s hub in Sanatanpali.
The minister’s itinerary included visits to several temples, including Dakshina Kali and Baba Siddheswar temples in Khubela, where he participated in the traditional Meru Yatra. The successful conduct of the festival marks a significant moment for Sambalpur, showcasing community solidarity and peaceful religious observance under careful security arrangements.