Lakhs of devotees today took holy dip across Orissa on the occasion of Kartik Purnima while many floated miniature boats in rivers symbolising the state’s ancient maritime glory.
The last day of Kartik, considered as the most sacred month in a year, attracted lakhs of devotees to the pilgrim town of Puri where an estimated five lakh had visited the Jagannath temple after taking bath in the sea.
On the occasion, deities – Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra – were adorned in golden attire, known as “Raje Rajeswari Bheas” while more than 35 platoon of security personnel stood guard at Puri.
Besides Puri, people took dip in the rivers of Chandrabhaga, Mahanadi, Baitarani, Rusikulya and other rivers in other parts of the state.
The day also marked beginning of the historic ‘Bali Yatra’ festival at Cuttack. ‘Bali Yatra’ had its origin in the Orissa’s maritime history.
