The biannual Thakurani Jatra will be held in the last week of March or first week of April this year, said the hereditary head and chief architect of the festival, who is also regarded as the head of the Dera community (weaver) of the city, P Durgaprasad Desibehera here.
According to information available, the Desibehera family has already started necessary preparations in full swing for the famous mass festival which is being celebrated once in every two years. As per the traditions, the lagna (sacred moment) for this fest is usually finalised soon after the celebration of Maha Sivaratri. Dera communitys priest (Kula Purohita) decides the time for performance of the rituals.
Thereafter, the specific date and time for installation of Subhakhunti (most auspicious pillar) are finalized soon after discussions with the District Administration and BeMC authorities including other stakeholders.
It may be recalled here that, the last Maa Budhi Thakurani Yatra was conducted in 2021 amidst a sleuth of restrictions due to prevalence of Covid-19 pandemic and the fest was limited only to certain important rituals. The public access to the fest was also limited.
The significance of the mega fest is that, Budhi Thakurani is considered as the Istadevi of Silk city Brahmapur. As a child feels safe and secure in her mothers lap, the inhabitants of Brahmapur always have a secure feeling under the blessing of Maa Budhi Thakurani. Therefore, the people of the city worship the deity with great reverence, devotion, love and affection.