Bhubaneswar, Oct. 19 -- The famous Chhatar Yatra of Maa Manikeswari, the presiding deity of Odisha's Kalahandi district, is being celebrated in Bhawanipatna on Monday. The annual festival is witnessing a massive gathering of devotees.

The annual festival began with secret rituals at Jenakhal in the Fashidangar area on the western outskirts of Bhawanipatna. Following the traditional worship, the goddess's ceremonial Chhatar, regarded as her victory emblem, began its journey towards the temple at around 5 am.

Devotees lined the procession route to welcome the goddess with incense, lamps and other offerings. The rhythmic beats of Jena musical instruments and traditional Ghumura drums added to the festive atmosphere as devotees sought the b...