Devotees Appeal for Discipline and Tradition in Sri Marikamba Jatra – Jagadish Bhatt Sagara
Sagara: As the annual Sri Marikamba Jatra approaches, devotees have expressed serious concern that the lapses and disrespectful incidents witnessed during the 2023 festival should not be repeated this year.
During the previous Jatra, it was observed that when the Goddess proceeded, the number of people raising their hands and creating disturbance was far more than those offering prayers with folded hands. Devotees believe such behavior may have displeased the Goddess.
According to the devotees, the responsibility for these lapses lies not only with the authorities and festival committee, but largely with the devotees themselves. Hence, a collective appeal has been made to ensure discipline and adherence to tradition during this year’s celebrations.
The key concerns and requests raised by the devotees include:
1) Peaceful Conduct of Religious Rituals:
The sacred rituals performed at the maternal home of Goddess Marikamba — including Punyahavachana, Pranapratishta, Mahapuja and Mangalyadharana — must be conducted without disturbance or confusion.
Last year, due to crowding and interference by influential individuals, these rituals could not be completed properly, and devotees believe the town has been facing its consequences for the past three years.
Devotees have requested a ban on mobile phones in the ritual area and suggested appointing only a few official media channels for videography. This would allow genuine devotees to have peaceful darshan and prayer, while also honoring the Goddess.
2) Restricted Access to Ritual Areas:
Except for essential persons involved in the rituals, others should stay away from the designated area. Allowing the Goddess to be worshipped without disturbance is considered the highest form of devotion.
3) Discipline During Fruit Offering (Hannukai):
During the fruit offering rituals, priority must be given to the elderly, children, and the physically challenged. Ignoring them and misusing influence to move ahead in line is believed to be unacceptable to Goddess Marikamba, who is known to protect the poor and distressed first.
4) Strict Decorum During the Night Procession:
As the Goddess emerges in a fierce form during the night procession, the occasion should not be taken lightly. Potarajus and Asadi performers must be allowed to follow their traditions freely. Devotees must remove footwear and status symbols and stand humbly before the Goddess. It is believed that even divine beings cannot withstand the Goddess’s wrath if disrespect is shown.
Devotees have earnestly appealed that this year’s Jatra be conducted with utmost discipline and respect for tradition, so that Goddess Sri Marikamba is pleased and blesses all devotees, protecting the town and its people.
By:- Meghana Ganesh
