NIMAPADA, May 1, 2026 (Report- Basant Das): People woke up very early today to celebrate Buddha Purnima. They traveled to the Bana Buda bath ghat on the banks of the Prachi River. Thousands of devotees took a holy bath in the river waters. Locals proudly call the Prachi River the true lifeline of Lord Jagannath's rich culture. 
The Prachi Culture Protection Council organised today's special event. Pandit Trilochan Mishra guided the council members throughout the morning. He comes from the family of the famous poet and devotee, Jayadeva. The council members worked hard to help all the visitors. They sang the holy *Gita Govinda* together. They chanted divine names and explained the great history of this sacred place to the crowd.
He took a bath and offered holy water to his ancestors. Lord Rama also set up a shrine for Lord Shiva, which people call Rameshwar Shambhu. Lord Rama gave all the blessings from these holy acts to his father, King Dasharatha. These blessings freed his father from past sins and helped him reach heaven.
A Buddhist monk named Upagupta met him here. Upagupta gave Ashoka a holy bath at this very ghat. He then taught Ashoka about the peaceful path of Buddhism. Ashoka accepted the Buddhist religion right here. After this change of heart, Ashoka made Buddhism the main religion of his great empire. He later sent his son and daughter across the sea using the Prachi River route. They traveled far to spread the message of peace to the whole world.
The river holds another proud memory for the local people. The famous Emperor Kharavela of Kalinga became the supreme ruler on this exact day. He accepted his royal crown at the Deva Sabha Mandap near the Prachi River. A large crowd of his happy subjects stood around him to watch the grand event.
The local people want the government to step forward and help. They kindly ask the government to protect the holy Prachi River. They want officials to save the fading historical structures along the riverbanks and develop the area. Every person in Odisha holds this strong wish in their heart today. They hope the government will act fast to preserve this beautiful heritage for future generations.
The Prachi Culture Protection Council organised today's special event. Pandit Trilochan Mishra guided the council members throughout the morning. He comes from the family of the famous poet and devotee, Jayadeva. The council members worked hard to help all the visitors. They sang the holy *Gita Govinda* together. They chanted divine names and explained the great history of this sacred place to the crowd.
A Place of Ancient Stories
This riverbank holds deep meaning in ancient Hindu stories. The old holy books, known as the Puranas, share a special tale about Lord Rama. Sage Narada gave Lord Rama some important advice. Lord Rama followed this advice and visited this exact river on the morning of Vaisakha Purnima.He took a bath and offered holy water to his ancestors. Lord Rama also set up a shrine for Lord Shiva, which people call Rameshwar Shambhu. Lord Rama gave all the blessings from these holy acts to his father, King Dasharatha. These blessings freed his father from past sins and helped him reach heaven.
Rich Historical Roots
History books also highlight the importance of this riverbank. A long time ago, the famous Kalinga War took place. Emperor Ashoka felt deep sorrow and regret after the violent war. He came to this riverbank to find peace.A Buddhist monk named Upagupta met him here. Upagupta gave Ashoka a holy bath at this very ghat. He then taught Ashoka about the peaceful path of Buddhism. Ashoka accepted the Buddhist religion right here. After this change of heart, Ashoka made Buddhism the main religion of his great empire. He later sent his son and daughter across the sea using the Prachi River route. They traveled far to spread the message of peace to the whole world.
The river holds another proud memory for the local people. The famous Emperor Kharavela of Kalinga became the supreme ruler on this exact day. He accepted his royal crown at the Deva Sabha Mandap near the Prachi River. A large crowd of his happy subjects stood around him to watch the grand event.
A Call to Protect Local Heritage
Many devoted people remembered these amazing events today. They took a bath in the river to gather good blessings for their families. However, the historic river and its old monuments currently face a difficult time.The local people want the government to step forward and help. They kindly ask the government to protect the holy Prachi River. They want officials to save the fading historical structures along the riverbanks and develop the area. Every person in Odisha holds this strong wish in their heart today. They hope the government will act fast to preserve this beautiful heritage for future generations.
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