BERHAMPUR: Kingdoms gone, long live the tradition. For the first time in its 842year Dharakote's royal history, a 14yearold queen performed 'Cherra Pahanra', the sweeping ritual on the chariot during the return journey 'Bahuda'.
Sulakhyana Gitanjali Devi, the only daughter of former MLA Kishor Chandra Singhdeo, was coronated head of the Dharakote royal family about 43 days back following the death of her father.
As per the tradition, she was brought in a decorated silver palanquin near the chariot and after sweeping, the pulling of chariot started.
Over 30,000 devotees jostled to have a glimpse of the deities despite drizzle making the day sultry. They also witnessed the `Sunavesha' of the deities today.
Usually the male scions of erstwhile royal families in Orissa perform the 'Chhera Panhara' before the start of journey of chariots.
Dharakote is one of the 18 nonexisting kingdoms in Ganjam. Studying in Class IX in Chhattisgarh, Gitanjali could not make it to the 'Chhera Pahanra' during Rath Yatra.