Unique Tradition in Sadenga Village – Hundreds of Devotees Join Dola Melana at Lavakusha Ashram
Kakatpur, 30/03/2024 (Tushar Dixit): A grand celebration of the 6th Annual Dola Melana was held at the Lavakusha Ashram premises in Sadenga Patapura village, under Kundhei Gram Panchayat of Kakatpur block. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from hundreds of devotees, with over 25 Radha-Krishna vimanas (palanquins) from three blocks – Kakatpur, Astaranga, and Gop – gathering at the melana ground.
The procession began with the Bagisahi vimana being placed at its designated location, followed by the arrival and placement of other vimanas in a structured manner. The event was presided over by Melana President Guru Charan Bishwal, with key roles played by Executive President Prakash Chandra Swain, Secretary Swadhin Kumar Swain, and senior members like Dadhibaman Bishwal, Kahnu Charan Mahanti, Prashanta Kumar Nayak, Mangaraj Mahanti, Ram Chandra Swain, and Pratap Chandra Swain, along with organizers from each vimana.
A ‘Deba Sabha’ (divine assembly) was conducted, where discussions were held on Odia culture, heritage, and tradition, and to promote the spirit of brotherhood, devotees participated in the traditional Fagua (color play).
Under the supervision of temple officials Sushant Kumar Nayak and Manas Ranjan Swain, all Radha-Krishna idols were adorned with new clothes, incense offerings, lamps, and aarti.
Vimanas arrived from different directions in beautifully decorated processions, accompanied by traditional music, lights, bells, and festive instruments, creating a mesmerizing ambiance as they reached the melana ground.
As part of the celebration, a 3-day recitation of the Sri Ram Charit Manas was conducted, along with continuous devotional chanting (akhanda naam sankirtan) and bhajan sessions. By 10 PM, a massive crowd had gathered to witness the Dola Bhaunri dance, a traditional highlight of the festival.
The event concluded peacefully under the direct supervision of educationist Aditya Kumar Mahanti. Dignitaries including Kakatpur Tehsildar Ankita Anandita, Astaranga Tehsildar Priyanka Priyadarshini Pati, and Kakatpur IIC Vijay Kumar Behera also attended the celebration as chief guests and facilitators.
According to the organizing committee, the event was successfully conducted with discipline, cultural vibrancy, and deep community spirit.
