Bhubaneswar: The world-renowned Khandagiri Magha Saptami Mela commenced on Friday amid religious fervour and spiritual enthusiasm at the foothills of the historic Khandagiri caves. The sacred site has come alive with chants, rituals, and the arrival of sadhus and saints, drawing large gatherings of devotees from across Odisha and beyond.
With the arrival of ascetics, the tapobhumi (land of penance) of Khandagiri is witnessing a significant influx of pilgrims. According to traditional belief, participation in the Maha Yajna and witnessing its completion at Khandagiri is considered highly auspicious and is believed to bestow immense spiritual merit. The annual Magha Mela, which began today, will continue until February 7.
In the evening, Lord Ananta Keshari will ceremonially proceed from Rani Hansapur and be enthroned at the Devasabha amid traditional music, lights, and rituals. This will be followed by the commencement of the Maha Yajna. The nine-day-long Vishwashanti Maha Yajna, led by Naga sadhus, will be performed for world peace, during which a large turnout of devotees is expected daily.
The administration has stressed maintaining decency and discipline in cultural and melody programmes organised during the fair. Elaborate arrangements have been made for parking, traffic regulation, and public safety. As part of enhanced security measures, around 100 CCTV cameras have been installed across the mela area. Police personnel and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) enforcement teams will be deployed at key locations to ensure smooth conduct of the event.
Extensive facilities have also been arranged for visitors, including designated vehicle parking zones, police, fire services, BMC, medical control rooms, drinking water supply, adequate lighting, and other essential amenities. Traffic wardens will be deployed to assist traffic police in managing vehicular movement and crowd flow.
The Khandagiri Magha Saptami Mela, one of Odisha’s most significant religious congregations, is expected to witness massive footfall over the coming days, blending spirituality, tradition, and meticulous administrative planning.
-OdishaAge
