Devotees Mesmerized by Maa Mangala’s Simha Vahini Form and Patua Dance
Today marks the third Tuesday of the sacred month of Chaitra. In accordance with traditional customs, the third Pali Yatra was observed at the temple of the presiding deity Maa Mangala in Kakatpur, Puri district. The temple was opened at 3 a.m., and following the rituals, the Goddess was adorned in a sandalwood (Chandan) attire and presented for public darshan through the traditional Sahan Mela.
For orderly viewing, devotees were allowed to enter through the temple’s eastern gate and exit through the northern gate, with barricades set up to manage the crowd. Police forces were deployed both inside and outside the temple premises to ensure smooth proceedings. Devotees queued up in disciplined lines to have darshan of the Goddess.
As part of the ongoing Basantika Durga Puja, the temple gates were closed again at 8 a.m. for rituals. Since it was the Saptami tithi, Maa Mangala was beautifully adorned in her famed Simha Vahini (lion-riding) form, and the temple doors reopened around 3 p.m. for devotees.
A grand procession was carried out involving Patuas (traditional folk performers) from Jhankad who, along with local Patuas, marched to Ghantatola near the Prachi River for Danda Puja and Ghata Sthapana rituals, before returning to the temple. The visiting Patuas, along with local performers, showcased the traditional Patua dance in front of the temple’s Singha Dwara (lion gate), drawing large crowds.
Devotees were enthralled by the divine presence of Maa Mangala in her Simha Vahini form and the vibrant performances of the Patua dancers.
Today’s third Pali Yatra saw Tapan Kumar Dash serve as the designated Palia Sevak, while Subash Chandra Padhi performed as the chief priest. The entire Kakatpur region wore a festive look in celebration of the third Pali Yatra dedicated to Maa Mangala.
