Large number of devotees from various parts of the district and outside thronged the temple in the midnight and took part in the “Mundabasa” ritual of the Goddess which is observed every year on Shukla Pakhya Astami Tithi in the Odia month of Ashwina.

Later, the ceremonial Chhatar of Goddess Manikeswari was taken out to the Jena Khala on the outskirts of the town from Manikeswari temple this morning. After performance of a Gupta Puja or the secret worship of the Goddess, the Chhatar was brought back in a large procession to the temple.

The return journey of the Chhatar to the temple is known as Chhatar Jatra. As per age-old rituals, devotees, during the procession, sacrifice animals and birds like goats, sheep, cocks, and pigeons every year with a belief of fulfilment of their wishes.

Some devotees who got their wishes fulfilled also released pigeons on the temple of the deity as a mark of devotion.

Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements were put in place for the smooth conduct of the festival. At least 13 platoons of police forces have been deployed to maintain law and order on the occasion, a senior police official said.