Conclusion of Maa Mangala’s Basantika Durga Puja
Kakatpur – The three-day Basantika Durga Puja at the temple of presiding deity Maa Mangala in Kakatpur, Puri district, which began on the occasion of Shukla Saptami, has concluded. The temple trust board had made special arrangements for the smooth conduct of the festival.
During the three days, from 8 AM to 3 PM, the temple remained closed to the general public as daily rituals of the goddess were performed. Similar to the Shodasha Upachara rituals conducted during the Ashwin month, the Basantika Puja was held on the tithis of Shukla Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami in the month of Chaitra.
On Saptami, Maa Mangala appeared before devotees in her Katyayani form. On Ashtami, she appeared as Simha Vahini (lion rider), and on Ram Navami, she gave darshan in her Mahishasura Mardini form. The rituals were carried out with great devotion and dedication.
Every day, from afternoon till late night, the temple was crowded with devotees eager for Maa Mangala’s darshan. The temple administration and local police had implemented extensive security arrangements for the event. The entire Kakatpur region was enveloped in a deeply spiritual atmosphere during the Basantika Durga Puja celebrations.
