Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3 -- The sacred Mulashtami is being observed on Saturday, marking the beginning of the Shodasha Upachara rituals at prominent goddess shrines across Odisha. Special puja and rituals have commenced at the temples as part of the 16-day festivities.

At the Maa Mangala shrine in Puri's Kakatpur, the Shodasha Upachara puja began today. The Goddess was bathed with 108 pots of fragrant water drawn from the well inside the temple premises before the worship rituals were performed.

Maa Mangala will be adorned in various special attires at the shrine over the 16 days. The rituals will continue as part of the Mulashtami observance.

Meanwhile, Parbana Puja also commenced at the famous Shakti Peeth of Maa Sarala at Jhankada in Odi...