India, Oct. 19 -- The famous Chhatar Yatra of Maa Manikeswari in Bhawanipatna, the district headquarters of Odisha's Kalahandi, concluded on Monday amid religious fervour and massive public participation. Thousands of devotees gathered along the route from Jenakhal to the Maa Manikeswari Temple to witness the annual procession, which began at 5 am and reached the temple at 7.44 am.

The annual festival is one of the most significant religious events in Kalahandi and attracts devotees from across Odisha as well as neighbouring states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

The religious rituals began on Maha Ashtami night at the Maa Manikeswari Temple. Late at night, the deity's movable symbol was taken to Jen...