Bhograi: The district administration in Balasore has imposed restrictions on the celebrations of famous Chadak Mela of Baba Chandaneswarjew in Bhograi of the district.
The deity is worshipped at Huguli village on the fringes of the state. The famous fair, which is celebrated on the premises of Chandaneswar temple during Maha Bisuva Sankrati, attracts lakhs of devotees from in and around the state, including places like West Bengal and Jharkhand
Devotees congregate at the temple premises during the festival and pay their obeisance to the deity.
This year, the festival will be held from April 2 as per COVID-19 restrictions due to sudden resurgence of the disease. The district administration has allowed the servitors to only perform the rituals during the festival, while devotees have been barred from attending the festival in the temple premises.
The matter came to fore following a meeting attended by Bhograi MLA Anant Das, District Collector K Sudarshan Chakravorti, temple servitors, president of Chandaneswar Trust Board and some local intellectuals.
However, the district administration has allowed servitors to perform rituals. Only 14 servitors and trust members will perform the rituals this year.
“People have decided not to organise the fair this year due to resurgence of COVID-19 pandemic. As large gatherings pose threats of outbreak of the infectious virus, it was decided that only rituals will be performed to keep the age-old custom alive,” MLA Anant Das said.
Awareness banners will be put up at various places urging devotees not to visit the temple during the festival. In fact, it has been decided to close the main gate of the temple to prevent entry of outsiders and devotees into the temple premises.
Collector K Sudarshan Chakravorti said, “It was unanimously decided that the Chadak Mela will not be conducted this year. Only rituals will be performed by a handful of servitors. Residents and people from outside will not be allowed during the rituals.”
The special characteristic of the fair is that devotees pierce their body with iron nails and dance barefoot under the scorching heat in a grand procession.
It is believed that Lord Shiva is pleased with such penance and showers blessings on devotees.
PNN