Chaturtha Pali Yatra Celebrated at Maa Mangala Temple: Traditional Patua Dance in Day, Kalika Dance at Night
Today marks the fourth and final Tuesday of the month of Chaitra at Kakatpur. As per tradition, the Chaturtha or last Pali Yatra was celebrated at the Maa Mangala Temple, the presiding deity of Kakatpur. The temple gates opened at 3 a.m., followed by Mangal Arati, inner sanctum cleaning, ceremonial bathing, attire dressing (Besha), sandalwood application, Surya Puja (Sun worship), and Ballava Niti (ritual offerings). After Ballava Niti, morning incense offerings and Bandapana Arati were conducted, after which the temple was opened for public darshan.
Devotees, through barricades set at the North and Singhadwara (Lion Gate), entered in queues to view Maa Mangala in her sandalwood adornment (Chandan Besha). Married women worshipped around the temple premises, praying for the well-being of their husbands and families.
Around 1 p.m., a grand procession was organized involving the Raula Sevakas from the Jhankad Peetha and local Bhois and Patuas (traditional performers), who walked to the banks of the Prachi River at Ghanta Tola Tutha. They fetched water, established the ritual bathing platform (Ghat Sthapana), and returned to the temple. Upon receiving Maa Mangala’s command (Ajnamala), the Patua performers began their signature Ghanta Patua dance, dancing with bells, drums, and ritual instruments amidst loud chants of “Haribol” and ululation.
During midnight, the Kalika dance was performed. A Khambarei Sevaka dressed as Goddess Mahakali, armed with a sword, began his ritual performance after receiving the divine command. Surrounded by the sound of bells, drums, mohuri (traditional wind instrument), and torches, he danced around the temple premises and in Sevaka Sahi Danda, captivating onlookers.
Following this was the midnight incense offering (Ratri Dhupa), recitation of the Gita Govinda, and Badasinghara Besha (a special nighttime adornment). The day concluded with the Bhramani Niti ritual. After the Badasinghara Dhupa, the temple gates were closed for the night.
Devotees were mesmerized by the Patua dance during the day and Kalika dance at night, making it a spiritually enriching experience. For the concluding Pali Yatra, elaborate arrangements were made by the temple administration and local police.
As the chief priest (Puja Panda), Sarbeswar Padhi completed all the prescribed rituals, while Ashok Kumar Panda served as the Palia Panda (rotational priest) for the day. The famous Jhamu Yatra of Maa Mangala is scheduled to be held at the temple on the upcoming 11th of the month, bringing this month-long spiritual festivity to a grand conclusion.
