In 1916, Maharaja Satchidananda Tribhuvan Deb, the ruler of Bamada/Bamanda State, arranged the marriage of Princess Ratnamanjari of Bamada state with the Kalahandi Maharaja. To commemorate this union, King Satchidananda Tribhuvan Deb, who was also Ratnamanjari's father, oversaw the construction of a Kirtan Mandap in front of Mahaprabhu Gudi at Govindpur (Bamra) Guntiya Pada.
Newly Constructed Kirtan Mandap in front of Mahaprabhu Gudi at Bamra/Bamada.
From last year Bamra Makar Yatra is celebrated as Bamra Makar Mahotsav.
The Makar Mela is now a significant week-long event, growing in size over the past few years. It used to last for 3 to 4 days, but it has expanded beyond a week. This festival is not only a cultural celebration but also a thriving market for the region. Local artisans and traders showcase and sell a variety of products, including handicrafts, handlooms, and food items. The Mela is particularly famous for its variety of blankets, and people come from distant places to purchase them. The thriving market contributes to the livelihoods of many.
One attraction is the 'Harihar Bhet,' where idols of Lord Jagannath from Govindpur Jagannath temple and Lord Dhabaleswar (Shiva) from Kechupani are brought in a procession to the celebration venue. This marks the beginning of the Famous Bamra Makar Yatra. Additionally, there are various attractions such as Mina Bazzar, Giant Wheel, Breakdance, Toratora, and games for children. Cultural programs take place in the evening.
The Makar Mela serves as a community gathering, where families and friends come together for joyous celebrations filled with laughter, music, and good food. It involves community congregations from various villages, making it a festival that unites people from all walks of life. Farmers, happy with the end of the rice harvest, attend the yatra, turning it into a kind of agricultural festival.
A special aspect of the festival is the famous Makar Prasad, consisting of Makar Chaul and Til Ladoo, offered to Lord Jagannath in the morning. People visit Jagannath Mandir in the morning and witness Hari Hara Milan in the afternoon. The festival has become a cherished occasion for creating lasting memories and celebrating the richness of the community's cultural and economic life.
Comments
Post a Comment