DASPALLA: The famous Lanka Podi Jatra of Daspalla, a renowned cultural and religious event of the Mahavir Kshetra, officially commenced on the auspicious occasion of Shri Ram Navami. Local correspondent Subas Chandra Barik reports that the town is now immersed in a deep spiritual atmosphere as the annual celebrations take flight. 
Daspalla Lanka Podi Jatra 2026: Historic Ram Navami Festival Begins


Sacred Rituals Mark the Beginning

The festival began at the Raghunath Temple with traditional Vedic rituals. On Wednesday morning, priests Rajesh Mishra and Lingaraj Das performed the birth ceremony of Lord Rama at the Janma Mandapa. Following ancient customs, the "Chala Vigraha" (moving idols) of the deities were brought to the altar.
The priests conducted ten specific rituals, including the symbolic umbilical cord cutting and the first milk feeding ceremony. These sacred acts were supervised by Suryamani Das, the Secretary of the Jatra Committee. 
Daspalla Lanka Podi Jatra 2026: Historic Ram Navami Festival Begins


Community Participation and Traditions

After the morning rituals, the actors participating in the Rama Leela and the committee members took a formal vow (Brata) to dedicate themselves to the festival. They performed traditional prayers and "Bandana" songs. Thousands of devotees observed a fast and gathered at the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Raghunath and Lord Mahavir.
As the sun set, the idols were taken out in a grand procession through the town. Residents offered "Bhoga" (sacred food) to the deities as the procession moved through the streets of Daspalla. 
Daspalla Lanka Podi Jatra 2026: Historic Ram Navami Festival Begins


Dramatic Retelling of the Ramayana

The nighttime celebrations featured the Rama Leela performance based on the classic text by Vikram Narendra. The play started with a dialogue between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, setting the stage for the epic saga.
The performance covered several key episodes:
  • The Demon Conflict: The story began with the attacks by demons Mali, Sumali, and Malyabanta.
  • Divine Intervention: Lord Narayana, riding his bird-mount Garuda, arrived to defeat the demons and protect the gods.
  • The Birth of Ravana: The play depicted how Sumali’s daughter Kaikesi married Sage Vishrava, leading to the birth of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Vibhishana, and Surpanakha.
  • The Descent of Rama: To counter the rising power of these demons, Lord Vishnu promised to incarnate as Rama, while other celestial beings took birth as monkeys and bears to assist him.

The Story of Sita and the Four Princes

The opening night also featured the story of King Janaka finding Sita in a golden box while plowing the field. It further detailed the legend of Sage Rishyasringa, whose arrival brought rain to the drought-stricken kingdom of Anga. 
Daspalla Lanka Podi Jatra 2026: Historic Ram Navami Festival Begins


Finally, the play depicted the Putresthi Yagya performed by King Dasharatha, which led to the birth of the four princes: Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna.
The Jatra Committee has extended a warm invitation to devotees across Odisha and beyond to visit Daspalla. Over the coming days, the town will remain a hub of spiritual joy and cultural heritage.