Kalahandi (Sumit Kumar Agrawal): Odisha is immersed in the fervor of Sharadiya Navratri, a time for the worship of Goddess Jagatjanani. The district of Kalahandi is no exception, with various Shakti Peeths and Puja Mandaps adorned in devotion. Among them, Rupra Road Basti shines brightly with the light of spirituality during this Navratri season. Four significant locations within Rupra Road Basti, under Narla Block in Kalahandi District, are immersed in the joy of Navratri Puja, following age-old traditions.
At the Durga Mandap, the earthen idol of Goddess Durga is being reverently worshipped. Simultaneously, Navratri Puja unfolds at the Gayatri Shakti Peetha, Vaishnavi Dham, and Devasar Dham, with each location upholding the sacred customs of the festival. These pujas commenced on the 15th of the month and will continue until the 23rd, embracing the essence of Navratri.
The 64th Navratri celebration is taking place at the local Durga Mandap, meticulously overseen by the Rupra Road Durga Puja Committee, with President Radheshyam Khetan and the dedicated committee members ensuring the smooth execution of the event. A range of cultural programmes is scheduled for the evenings.
Gayatri Shaktipeeth witnesses a daily morning Yajna from 6 am to 7 am, accompanied by the traditional lighting of the Akhand lamp. Vaishnavi Dham’s Navaratra is carried out under the direct guidance of the Hadodia family, featuring evening arati at 6.30 pm and lively Dandiya dance from 8 to 9 pm.
Devasar Dham, newly established this year, resonates with the vibrancy of Navratri Puja to honor Goddess Durga. A daily Bhandara serves devotees, and a congregation gathers for the arati at 6 pm. On the 22nd, a Bhajan Sandhya programme is scheduled, featuring renowned singers such as Rosni Gupta, Kumar Sunny, and Kumar Vijay. The Devsar Dham Durga Temple Samiti, led by President Gobind Ram Agrawal, Vice President Durga Prasad Mohanty, Secretary Pradeep Kumar Agrawal, and Treasurer Dinesh Agrawal, invites all to partake in this Navratri and seek the blessings of Jagatjanani.
