Tulsi Vivah Festival Celebrated at Singhadwara, Sakhigopal
Sakhigopal, Date: 13.11.2024
Report: Singhari Alok Khuntia
On the sacred occasion of Garuda Dwadashi in the holy month of Kartika, the Tulsi Vivah festival was held near the Sakhigopal Temple on Wednesday afternoon. After bathing Lord Narayan with Panchamrita (a sacred mixture of five items), he was adorned with new garments. Following that, the ceremonial wedding of Goddess Tulsi with Lord Narayan was solemnized according to Vedic rituals by priests Bansidhar Padhi and Harihar Mahapatra.
As per tradition, the guests from the bride’s side welcomed the groom’s party with honor and distributed sweets.
The chief coordinator and organizer of this wedding ritual was Ramachandra Nanda, who managed the entire ceremony. Acting as the bride’s parents were Satyapriya Mahapatra and Ranjita Mahapatra, while the groom’s side was represented by Sharatchandra Hota and Sanyukta Hota.
After the ceremony, women devotees performed Bandapana (a ritualistic farewell) for the divine bride and groom and led them in a traditional procession to the Shri Ram Temple. Later, hundreds of devotees partook in Mahaprasad (sacred food offering).
Notable contributors and attendees who helped organize the event included Bishwanath Mahapatra, Ramachandra Nanda, Jiten Mahapatra, Lokanath Barik, and Rabindranath Shadangi.
