Dhenkanal: The famous Joranda Magha Mela, also known as Joranda Mela, kicked off at Joranda in this district Monday. The seven-day festival draws lakhs of devotees from far-flung areas.
It is one of the famous fairs of Odisha which is held annually on the full moon day of the Hindu calendar month of Magha.
Thousands of ascetics arrive at the international headquarters of the Mahima cult at Joranda to participate in the event.
Magha Mela is exclusively a mass prayer of ascetics for the welfare of the world. It is aimed at spreading the message of love and humanity, without any rituals, in the name of Mahima Gosain, the founder of Mahima Dharma.
Beginning with Baba Purnima, Magha Mela is observed in Sunya Mandir at Joranda to mark the Day of Salvation of Mahima Gosain in 1876.
Mahima Gosain had envisioned a classless society during the 18th century when the lower caste people were oppressed by the zamindars and other rich people. He had also opposed the idea of conversion from Hinduism to Christianity.
Later, his ideology has influenced the society at large. His unconditional spiritual service, the message of love, humanity and universal brotherhood attracted thousands of followers. He had ignited a perpetual flame called the Akhanda Dhuni at Joranda, which continues to burn to this day.
During the Mela, devotees, irrespective of caste, creed and religion, enter the Mahima shrines known as Gadi Mandir, Dhuni Mandir, Akhanda Bati Mandir and Ghanta Mandir.
The district administration has made all arrangements for the smooth functioning of all events associated with the Mela. For easy traffic control, the west and north gates of the Gadi (temple) are being used as the entry points and the east and south gates as the exit points.
CCTV cameras have been installed at different places to keep an eye on the fair and its surroundings. LCD screens have been put up to live stream temple proceedings. Necessary arrangements for drinking water, first aid, ambulance service and parking facility have been made.
PNN