Thousands throng Kalijai temple on Makar Sankranti | Bhubaneswar News
Berhampur: Kalijai island in Chilika Lake witnessed a massive influx of devotees on Tuesday as thousands gathered to celebrate Makar Sankranti.
Pilgrims from across the state and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh braved the winter chill, arriving at dawn to offer prayers at the temple of Goddess Kalijai, revered as the patron deity of local fishermen. Clear weather conditions, free of the usual dense fog, facilitated smooth transit for devotees throughout the day, making the celebrations seamless and memorable for all attendees, said sources.
The celebrations began with local fishermen performing a traditional yagna, seeking divine blessings for a prosperous fishing season ahead. Devotees also took holy dips in the lagoon’s waters.
To accommodate the heavy flow of visitors, around 320 boats were deployed from key entry points. “We have engaged around 200 boats at Barkul alone,” said Basant Nayak, president of Maa Kalijai Motorboat Owners’ Association. An additional 120 boats operated from Balugaon, ensuring smooth transportation across the lake.
Police implemented strict safety measures, with inspector J K Parida of Balugaon confirming mandatory life jacket requirements for all passengers. “We are ensuring no overloading occurs and have deployed adequate personnel at all jetties,” said Parida. Additional security arrangements included patrol boats and rescue vessels stationed at strategic points, along with forces deployed at the temple site to maintain order, as confirmed by inspector Basant Sahoo of Krushna Prasad police station.
Pilgrims from across the state and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh braved the winter chill, arriving at dawn to offer prayers at the temple of Goddess Kalijai, revered as the patron deity of local fishermen. Clear weather conditions, free of the usual dense fog, facilitated smooth transit for devotees throughout the day, making the celebrations seamless and memorable for all attendees, said sources.
The celebrations began with local fishermen performing a traditional yagna, seeking divine blessings for a prosperous fishing season ahead. Devotees also took holy dips in the lagoon’s waters.
To accommodate the heavy flow of visitors, around 320 boats were deployed from key entry points. “We have engaged around 200 boats at Barkul alone,” said Basant Nayak, president of Maa Kalijai Motorboat Owners’ Association. An additional 120 boats operated from Balugaon, ensuring smooth transportation across the lake.
Police implemented strict safety measures, with inspector J K Parida of Balugaon confirming mandatory life jacket requirements for all passengers. “We are ensuring no overloading occurs and have deployed adequate personnel at all jetties,” said Parida. Additional security arrangements included patrol boats and rescue vessels stationed at strategic points, along with forces deployed at the temple site to maintain order, as confirmed by inspector Basant Sahoo of Krushna Prasad police station.
