Goddess Banpur Bhagabati Enjoys Boat Ride Alongside Other Deities
Banpur, 31.05.2024 (Saswat TV) – Just like Lord Jagannath’s famous Chandan Yatra in Puri, the presiding deity of the Shakti Peeth in Banpur, Goddess Bhagabati, also takes part in a ceremonial boat ride (chapa khela) to seek relief from the intense summer heat. The Chandan Yatra begins from Akshaya Tritiya and continues for 21 days. However, during the final three days, the goddess enjoys a beautifully decorated boat ride in the Majana Pushkarini (sacred pond) near the temple of Lord Balunkeshwar in Gopalpur Shasan.
Along with Maa Bhagabati, deities like Shri Daksheswar, Gopinath, Rankanath, Kapileshwar of Gopalpur Shasan, Balunkeshwar, Nilakantheswar of Kotpur, and Gopinath Dev of Patpur Shasani also take part in this ceremonial boat ride. The event is organized and managed by the villagers of Gopalpur Shasan.
Each evening during the final three days, Maa Bhagabati, accompanied by sevayats (temple attendants) such as palia mali, pujaka, kathinahaaka, dia bije, and others, is served with various traditional rituals and items like ringing of bells (ghanta), conch blowing (kahali), waving of ceremonial fans (chhati chamar), and more. After the boat ride, the deities partake in the Nishankhudi bhoga (a special offering) before returning to the temple.
