Daspalla: (Report- Subash Chandra Barik): The 13-day-long Danda yatra (also known as Jhamu yatra) commenced today at the renowned Rudrakali Peetha in Banigochha village, Daspalla block, in the western region of Odisha. 
Last night, at 1 AM, the sacred Dandakali (the ceremonial log representing the deity) was taken from the Kamana Mandir to Jalatoṭha (a sacred bathing spot) following traditional rituals. There, Vedic homa (fire offering) and ghritahuti (ghee oblation) were performed, along with Jivanyasa (life invocation ceremonies). The rituals included the symbolic union of Rudragni (sacred fire) with the Patadanda (main ceremonial log) and Panidanda (water log). After the ceremonies, the priests, pujakas, log bearers (danduas), Kaliaka Medha (attendants), and 13 Danduas (ritual performers) returned to the Kamana Mandir. 
In the early morning, the first bandapana (worship) and aarti were performed at the house of the village head (Gram Mukhia). Later, Dandakali proceeded for Dhulidanda (a ritual involving sacred dust).
In the evening, after the grand ceremonial bath (Mahasnan) at Jalatoṭha, the deity was taken on a procession for Balabhoga (evening offerings) to every household in the village. Following this, the first round of Pana Lagi (offering of sweet drink) was made to the deity at night. After the second round of Annabhoga (food offering) and aarti, the deity, was taken out in a grand procession (Danda). After the deity Shri Hari Nayak's procession (danda) was welcomed, the small and big artists of the village performed the 'Nila Suanga' (a traditional folk play) in a very splendid and artistic style.
The villagers, young and old, then performed the traditional Nila Swanga (a dramatic enactment) in a captivating manner, bringing the day’s rituals to a close.
The Danda Yatra, a significant cultural and religious event, will continue for the next 13 days with various rituals and festivities.
In the early morning, the first bandapana (worship) and aarti were performed at the house of the village head (Gram Mukhia). Later, Dandakali proceeded for Dhulidanda (a ritual involving sacred dust).
In the evening, after the grand ceremonial bath (Mahasnan) at Jalatoṭha, the deity was taken on a procession for Balabhoga (evening offerings) to every household in the village. Following this, the first round of Pana Lagi (offering of sweet drink) was made to the deity at night. After the second round of Annabhoga (food offering) and aarti, the deity, was taken out in a grand procession (Danda). After the deity Shri Hari Nayak's procession (danda) was welcomed, the small and big artists of the village performed the 'Nila Suanga' (a traditional folk play) in a very splendid and artistic style.
The villagers, young and old, then performed the traditional Nila Swanga (a dramatic enactment) in a captivating manner, bringing the day’s rituals to a close.
The Danda Yatra, a significant cultural and religious event, will continue for the next 13 days with various rituals and festivities.
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