Odisha takes to the street in a huge procession…
Thursday, July 5th, 2012
Hundreds of men and women from the State of Odisha took to the main street this morning in a huge procession displaying great devotional fervour here in Puttaparthi. This is the second time, in six months, the State is taking out a huge procession in Puttaparthi, last one being on 27th December 2011.
This morning’s procession began at 0830 hrs. from the birthplace of Bhagawan, Lord Shiva Temple, and moved along the main road. Led by a group yellow clad men blowing ‘twin conch’, followed by a group of enthusiastic drummers beating rhythmic tunes, the procession, infectious of devotional exuberance, moved through the main road in a measured pace granting an audio-visual treat to hundreds of onlookers. The men in the front were followed by a group of men in drums, who often turned excited, jumping and dancing to their drum beats, followed by another set of men playing cymbals, joining in circular dance movements.
In the centre was a small chariot carrying Lord Jagannath, Sister Subhadra and Brother Balabadra.
A small group of tribal dancing women followed the men, that was followed by hundreds of women carrying auspicious ‘kalasas.’ Another huge coloumn of women, all clad in uniform sarees, joined moving in tandem, often bursting into eerie whistling, typical of East India tribal tradition.
Namasankirthan group of men, in yellow scarves, followed, singing bhahjans and towards the end came a huge chariot with a smiling Bhagawan in the backdrop and the Seat Of The Divine at the centre.
This morning affair was full of spectacle, drama and colour, in line with the original festive splendour in Puri, which is slated as a typical Indian fair of unmatchable proportions.
The State of Odisha is currently in Prasanthi Nilayam with a strong contingent of over 1800 devotees, that included over 200 tribal devotees, who are on their maiden visit, on a Parthi Yatra.
In the meantime, a three day International Sai Youth Retreat, for Region 4 nations of SSSSO – Worldwide got under way this morning in the Purnachandra Auditorium.
II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
Posted in Prasanthi News |
