Bhubaneswar: Thousands of devotees from Jajpur district and neighbouring districts took a holy dip in the river Baitarini at Daswasamedha ghat and offered ‘shraddha’ to their forefathers as a part of the Maha Baruni Snana on Saturday.
The pilgrims also visited Biraja shrine, the presiding deity of the district to mark the occasion.
Braving the scorching sun, the people came to the Daswasamedha ghat to take holy dip till noon. Hindus believe that taking a dip in a particular spot on this day would wash away all their sins, miseries and diseases. So, devotees never miss the opportunity to offer puja meant for the forefathers Daswashamedha ghat of Baitarani river on this particular day.
The district administration has made elaborate arrangements to avoid any untoward situation on the holy occasion.
Similar gatherings were witnessed near the confluence of the Rushikulya and Badanadi rivers at Aska. Devotees took a holy dip at the confluence of rivers Rushikulya and Badanadi near Aska to observe Maha Baruni Snana on Saturday.
Similarly, a huge rush was witnessed at Kanjiama and Bahuda near Barahi in Ganjam district. The district admirations have come up with adequate arrangements for the holy bath in the Mahendratanaya river near Kerandi, Baghasala, Kamadhenu and Machhamera in the Gajapati district.