This year, the Chaitra Yatra will be celebrated at Maa Tara Tarini Peetha from March 26 till April 23. The yatra will be observed on five Tuesdays falling on March 26 and April 2, 9, 16 and 23. On the occasion, a preparatory meeting was held under the presidentship of district Collector Divya Jyoti Parida.
Peaceful and disciplined conduct of the yatra was the main agenda. Since hundreds of devotees are likely to visit the shrine every Tuesday, the Collector advised the concerned officers to make arrangements in advance for providing proper communication, drinking water supply, identification of places for rest, Mundan and lightning of Diyas, etc. Last year only six buses were plying for transporting the devotees to the hilltop and bringing them back. This year, 20 to 25 buses will be pressed into service. Considering the large crowd of devotees, six places have been identified for Mundans and three places for vehicle parking.
Provision will be made for the supply of drinking water to the Peetha through pipelines. Along with making arrangements for temporary urinals, steps will be taken in advance for safe utilisation of newly constructed lavatories. Similarly, the Collector instructed for making advance preparation in a nearby hospital to treat patients of sun stroke.
Similarly, discussions were also made on the decoration of the temple, preparation of gate, performance of daily Puja Archana, maintenance of law and order, sanitation and cleanliness, quality of foods, parking fees, making barricades and other relevant issues. It is learnt that in view of the newly constructed bridge, proper traffic control will be ensured.
Among others, Project Director of Ganjam District City Development Authorities Rabindra Kumar Patel, Sub-Collector Chhatarpur Devadutta Mohanta, Brahmapur Development Authority Secretary Ramesh Hansda, Purushottampur BDO Manoj Kumar Nayak, Tehsildar Lopamudra Ratha, SDPO Rajanikanth Samal, District Information and Broadcasting Officer Rabi Narayan Behera, Regional Transport Officer Manas Ranjan Sahu, Taratarini Temple Trust secretary Pramod Kumar Panda, Chief District Civil Supply Officer Pusa Munda and senior most Sevayat Bapuji Rana were present.
