Berhampur: With just few days left for the Chaitra Yatra of famous Maa Taratarini shrine in Odisha’s Ganjam district, preparations are in full swing for the grand festival.
The annual festival is scheduled to begin from March 10. As per tradition, the festival is observed on five Tuesdays of the month of Chaitra. The third Tuesday is considered as the holiest at the Maa Taratarini Shakti Peetha and is witnessed by lakhs of devotees visiting the temple on the occasion, said Bapuji Rana, chief servitor of the hilltop shrine.
The age-old practice of ‘Mundan’ also takes place during the festival with the hair of newborn babies get shaved from their head with a belief that Maa Taratarini, the presiding deity of south Odisha, will protect the newborns from evils.
The district administration has made all necessary arrangements for the smooth and successful conduct of the festival, informed Ganjam Collector Vijay Amrut Kulange.
Special buses will deployed for taking devotees to the hill top during the festival this year, he added.
The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), fire fighters and police teams will be deployed at the shrine and the ghats. The shrine and adjoining areas will also be brought under CCTV surveillance.
The Berhampur Municipal Corporation will provide mobile toilets and water tankers during the festival for the convenience of devotees. The entire area will be made plastic-free.
As per the decision, the devotees visiting the shrine during Chaitra festival will no longer have to pay entry fees. However, for special darshan a devotee needs to pay Rs 100.
The mundan ceremony will be held at the foothills of the temple in order to maintain cleanliness in the temple premises. Special arrangements have been made for this, said an official.
Situated on the hilltop of Kumari Hills on the banks of river Rushikulya, the ancient Taratarini temple is an epitome of tranquility and spirituality. The lush green surroundings and the peaceful environment double the fulfillment of the pilgrims visiting the shrine. It is one of the most revered pilgrimages in south Odisha and an important tourist destination in the state.
Recently, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced a special development package for the Taratarini temple after 5T Secretary VK Pandian visited the shrine to review infrastructure and public utilities available there.