In the Pilgrim City of Puri, Gosani Yatra was a special attraction during Dussehra.
Huge images of Gosani with various names like Jahni Khai, Kakudi Khai, Barabati and Charchikai - all considered incarnations of Goddess Durga - were installed in various puja mandaps and worshipped.
During Dashami celebrations on Wednesday, all the Gosani idols were brought near the main gate of the Jagannath temple along the Grand Road for a ‘melan’. Later in the night, all the idols were taken to the Mangala river in colourful processions for immersion. The ritual continued all through Thursday.
Dussehra celebrations at the Jagannath temple were equally grand. Lakhs of devotees thronged the Bimala temple inside the Jagannath temple complex to witness different ‘beshas’ of the Goddess. Sources said on Astami, animal sacrifice was conducted to appease the Goddess. Later, ‘sudha’ (cleaning) of the entire temple complex was carried out.