Devotees throng Tara Tarini Hill shrine to witness Chaitra Mela

With the beginning of the Chaitra Mela, thousands of devotees thronged Tara Tarini Hill Shrine in Ganjam district to witness the Tara Tarini Chaitra Jatra.

The Chaitra Mela which starts from the first Tuesday of the Hindu month of Chaitra continues for the four Tuesdays of the month. Tara Tarini is known as one of the major Shakti Pithas in India where the twin goddesses Tara and Tarini are worshipped as the manifestation of Adi Shakti. The temple is located on the bank of river Rushikulya.

The goddesses Tara and Tarini are regarded as the presiding deity (Ista-Devi) in many parts of Odisha. Mundan ceremony of a baby (usually performed during the first year of a child's life) is done to get the blessings of the Goddesses. Devotees climb 999 steps to reach the temple. A highspeed rope-way is being operated by UshaBreaco to carry devotees to the hill temple.

“Special arrangements have been made for the convenience of the visitors. Tents have been set up on the way to the hilltop so that visitors can take rest. Temporary health camps are also put up,” said Secretary of Taratarini Development Board P.K. Panda.