Maa Budhi Thakurani Yatra in Berhampur today

 Berhampur: The much-awaited ‘Journey-to-parental house’ festival of Maa Budhi Thakurani is all set to kick-off in silk city here today.

Budhi Thakurani, the presiding deity of Berhampur, will move in a grand procession to Her parental house at Desi Behara Sahi, about 2 km away from Her temple. Like normal years, the goddess’ parental house journey, fondly called Maa Budhi Thakurani Yatra, will be an affair of pomp, gaiety and cultural celebrations this year too.

The festival, which is marked with puppetry, folk dances, and folk songs, is celebrated once in two years.

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Dhendura (Call for goddess’ yatra) was sounded at 8 am today, while Ghata (Representative idol) of the Goddess will be taken in procession to her father (Desi Behera)’s house in the night.  

As preparations go, Jhoti will be drawn at the temporary puja platform at in front of Her father’s house at Desi Behera Sahi after 9 am. Thereafter, Maa Budhi Thakurani and Maa Sana Thakurani will be invited at around 11 am. Required Changudi Puja will be held at Her father Desi Behera’s house at 5 pm.  Later in midnight, Ghata of Maa Budhi Thakurani, after her approval, will come to her parents’ house.

To make the festival a smooth affair, the district administration of Ganjam has made all arrangements. As many as 13 platoons of police force will be deployed.