Keeping the tradition alive, the Jagatsinghpur district Collector was crowned as a ‘king’ for a day for the Rajyavisaka and Pusyaviesk Utsav at the Baladevjew temple in Sidhala village of the district on Sunday.
Amid sounds of conches and cymbals, Sangram Keshari Mohapatra was enthroned at the shrine and along with his wife worshipped the Chaturddha Murti. He also held discussions with officials and locals about local problems.
Lack of main road, drainage system and drinking water facility and absence of adequate pucca houses for underprivileged were some of the main issues raised by locals. In turn, the ‘king’ directed Government officials to look into the grievances. Before his coronation, the Collector had been taken in a procession to the temple.
Thousands of people congregated to witness the unique tradition. Notably, locals choose someone who sweeps the chariots of deities or performs Chhera Pahanra ritual during Rath Yatra at the temple. The concerned person is chosen as king. As the district Collector performs the Chhera Pahanra, he is enthroned as the king.