Harirajpur Panchudola Festival Dazzles the Crowd – Fireworks Shake the Grounds
Delang, 30.03.2024 – Report by Singhari Alok Khuntia: Odisha’s famous Harirajpur Panchudola Mela witnessed a grand celebration late Saturday night, drawing massive participation from devotees and cultural enthusiasts.
The mela ground, spanning over 80 acres, is located along the Pipili–Jatani route, 10 km from Pipili, 4 km from Jatani, and about 15 km from Bhubaneswar via the Kapilprasad road toward Jatani.
Historical accounts suggest that this ancient fair has been celebrated since 1637 AD, during the reign of Gajapati Narasingha Dev. After the completion of all temple rituals, the presiding deity Sri Paschimasambhu Somanath Dev was taken out in a grand, decorated vimana (palanquin) towards the mela ground. The sight of the Lord surrounded by thousands of devotees entering the festival ground was truly mesmerizing.
The event featured stunning lighting decorations, mesmerizing fireworks, devotional music, bhajans, kirtans, bells, conch sounds, traditional sakhi dances, and vibrant processions that filled the air with spiritual fervor.
Spectators were particularly captivated by the fireworks display crafted by expert artisans from Kaushalya, which added grandeur to the night. Inside the mela ground, various organizations presented cultural programs, enriching the festive spirit.
The Harirajpur Mahotsav, organized by Odia Parivaar, was inaugurated by esteemed guests Rudra Pratap Maharathy, Arup Patnaik, and Manmath Rautray, who also addressed the gathering, speaking about the importance of preserving Odia culture and traditions.
The night continued with Paika Akhada martial arts performances and a Melody Night show presented by Singhari Entertainment, thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.
To accommodate the over 5 to 7 lakh devotees who gathered from across districts, arrangements included fire services, clean drinking water supply, information centers, temporary medical camps, and ambulance services for emergencies.
To maintain peace and order, a special youth committee was formed. Their responsibilities included monitoring anti-social behavior, assisting lost individuals, and working closely with local administration to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the event.
Harirajpur Panchudola once again stood out as a magnificent blend of devotion, heritage, and celebration, leaving visitors in awe of Odisha’s living traditions.
