Chaturtha Pali Yatra Observed at Maa Mangala Temple; Devotees Witness Mahashtami Attire
Kakatpur, 16/04/2024: On the fourth Tuesday of the Chaitra month, the Chaturtha Pali Yatra was observed at the Maa Mangala Temple in Kakatpur as per traditional customs. Since the Basantika Durga Puja is ongoing at the shrine, Maa Mangala was adorned in her Mahashtami attire today on the auspicious Ashtami tithi.
At around 3 AM, following the opening of the temple doors, rituals such as Mangala Arati, inner sanctum purification, holy bath, decoration, sandalwood application, Surya Puja, and Ballava Niti were performed. After the Ballava ritual, morning incense (Dhupa) and Bandapana Arati were conducted, following which the temple was opened to the public for darshan.
Devotees formed long queues through the North Gate and Singha Dwara (Lion Gate), proceeding through barricades to the sanctum sanctorum to witness the deity in her Mahashtami form. Married women (Seemantini Mahilas) offered Panthi Puja (a ritual performed for the well-being of their husbands and families) around the temple premises.
Around 1 PM, Raula Sevaks from Jhanakada Peetha and local Bhoi Patuas took part in a procession to the Ghanta Tola Tutha of the Prachi River, fetched sacred water, and returned to the temple after installing the Kalasha (sacred pot). Upon receiving divine permission (Agyan Mala) from the goddess, the Patuas performed the Ghanta Patua dance to the beats of gongs, drums, kahali, conch shells, and traditional instruments, chanting “Haribol” and “Hulahuli.”
At midnight, a Kalikā Dance was performed. A Khamarei Sevak, dressed as Mahakali, wielded a sword and danced fiercely around the temple premises and in the Sevak Sahi Danda after receiving the divine approval from the goddess, accompanied by traditional music and torches.
This was followed by nighttime rituals including incense offerings, Gita Govinda recitation, Bada Singhara (grand adornment), and Bhramani Niti. After the conclusion of the Bada Singhara Dhupa, the temple doors were closed.
Devotees were left mesmerized by the Patua dance during the day and the Kalikā dance at night. Extensive arrangements were made by the temple administration and local police to ensure the smooth conduct of the Chaturtha Pali Yatra.
Kamala Lochan Dixit, Vice President of the Maa Mangala Temple Sevayat Association, and Tushar Ranjan Dixit, member of the advisory committee, informed that the Panchama Pali Yatra, which includes the grand Jhamu Yatra, will be observed on the upcoming 23rd April, marking the start of a month-long celebration.
