Grand Preparations Underway for the 65th Makar Yatra Mahotsav by Radha Krishna Development Council, Khaliakani, Jharsuguda
Jharsuguda: The Radha Krishna Development Council, Khaliakani, is making grand preparations for the 65th Makar Yatra Mahotsav, scheduled to be celebrated from January 13 to 15, 2025. As part of the festival, the construction of chariots for Lord Hari and Lord Hara is currently in progress. The main carpenter, Umesh Chandra Pradhan, is leading the effort, assisted by Mahendra Nayak, Chaitanya Pradhan, and Nirakar Pradhan.
The chariots carrying Lord Hari from Rajpur Katapali and Lord Hara from Hamsamura Katapali will arrive at Khaliakani on the evening of January 13. On Makar Sankranti, January 14, rituals and worship will be conducted, followed by the ceremonial Ratharohan of the deities. The chariots will then proceed to the Makar Milan Padia (meeting ground). Before evening, Lord Hari and Lord Hara will unite, and devotees will receive Hariloot Prasad. The day will conclude with a brief assembly and cultural programs.
The chief guest for this year’s celebration is former MLA Alaka Mahanti. Other key attendees include Professor Tapan Kumar Barik of Lakshmi Narayan College, Block Development Officer of Jharsuguda Purna Chandra Bhoi, and government advocate Bishwanath Nayak. Lord Hari and Lord Hara’s ceremonial caretakers are Dileshwar Bishi and Ramchandra Barik, respectively.
The event will also honor notable personalities for their contributions in various fields, including late Jharu Pradhan, Deepti Nayak, and journalist Ritesh Kumar Sharma.
Cultural highlights include performances by the Samprada Mandali from Khaman village in Jharsuguda block, traditional dance groups from Pandari in Lakhanpur block, and Sambalpuri dance and melody programs by Bargarh’s Kalajeevi Anusthan. These details were shared by Mahendra Nayak, the chief advisor of the council.
