Dhenkanal: The Joranda Magha Mela in this district will begin February 18 and continue for the next seven days, according to a preparatory meeting held at Joranda panchayat office.
Presiding over the meeting, District Collector Nikhil Pavan Kalyan sought the cooperation of all for smooth management of the fair. He also stressed on lighting arrangements in the area and wide publicity for the event.
Sarpanch Prashanta Kumar Rout announced the schedule of the Mela and its expected income and expenditure.
Thousands of ascetics arrive at the international headquarters of the Mahima cult at Joranda to participate in the Magha Mela, also called Joranda Mela.
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 to mark the day of salvation of Mahima Gosain in Sunya Mandir at Joranda in 1876. The Magha Mela is celebrated on a full moon day in the month of Magha (between January and February).
Mahima Gosain had envisioned a classless society during the 18th century when the lower caste people were tortured by the zamindars and other rich people. He had also opposed the idea of conversion from Hinduism to Christianity.
Later, his ideology influenced the society at large. His unconditional spiritual service, the message of love, humanity and universal brotherhood attracted thousands of devotees. 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 the events associated with the Mela. For easy traffic control, the west and north gates of the Gadi will be used as the entry points while the east and south gates will be the exit points, according to a decision taken at the meeting.
CCTV cameras will be installed at different places to keep an eye on the fair and its surroundings. The meeting also decided that the proceedings at the temple will be displayed on LCD screens that will be installed outside of the fair ground. Arrangements for safe drinking water, first aid, ambulance services and parking will be made in the next few days.
Among others, DRDA project director Narottam Behera, Natabara Baba, Abinashi Baba and Raghu Baba were present at the meeting.
PNN