BERHAMPUR/JAJPUR : Devotees took a holy dip at the confluence of rivers Rushikulya and Badanadi near Aska to observe Maha Baruni Snana on Saturday.
Braving the scorching sun, people from across the State congregated at the place called the ‘Sangam’ of Odisha, about 5 km from Aska. The holy bath continued from dawn to dusk.
The belief goes that a dip at the confluence on the occasion will free people of their sins, miseries and diseases. River Rushikulya, which originates from Rushimala mountain in Kandhamal district and meets the Bay of Bengal near Ganjam town, is considered sacred. To prevent any untoward incident, Aska police officials camped in the area.
Similar crowd was witnessed at Kanjiama and Bahuda near Barahi in Ganjam district. Arrangements were made for holy bath in Mahendratanaya river near Kerandi, Baghasala, Kamadhenu and Machamera in Gajapati district.
At Jajpur, more than two lakh devotees from across the district and outside took a holy dip in the river Baitarini at Daswasamedha ghat. Later they offered ‘pinda’ to their forefathers as a part of the Baruni rituals.
The pilgrims also visited Biraja shrine, the presiding deity of the district. This year for the first time, a Kumbh Mela is being organised on the banks of Baitarani on the eve of Maha Maha Baruni. An ‘alati’ and ‘Biswa shanti yagna’ is being organised.