Bhawanipatna: Even though the district administration had taken up awareness drive to prevent animal sacrifice, a large number of animals were sacrificed during the celebration of the famous Chatar Yatra in Bhawanipatna today.
Thousands of devotees from outside the district also thronged to the Manikeswari temple and participated in the yatra.
Following Sandhi Puja in the temple on Wednesday night, the ceremonial Chatar of Goddess Manikeswari was taken out to Jena Khal on the outskirts of the town. After the performance of secret rituals early on Thursday, the Chatar of the deity was taken out in a procession accompanied by beats of Jena Badya, Ghumura, Nisam Ghanta and folk music.
The return journey of the Chatar to the temple is known as Chatar Yatra. During the festival, a large number of animals were sacrificed while devotees also released doves for the fulfilment of wishes.
The district administration had made elaborate security arrangements for smooth conduct of both Chatar Yatra and Maha Astami Puja of Goddess Durga. In Bhawanipatna, 10 platoons of police force have been deployed. Moreover, five DSPs, 17 Inspectors and 30 SIs have been assigned to ensure smooth management of parking, traffic and celebrations.
In the town, four police control rooms have been set up and CCTV cameras installed at different strategic locations in the 4-km long Chatar Yatra route.
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