Location: Joranda in Dhenkanal district of
Orissa
Time: Magha Purnima day (February)
Duration: 3 days
Significance: Mahima sanyasis (saints) gather to worship Mahima
Gosain's Samadhi Pitha
Joranda Mela derives its name from its venue - Joranda, located in the
Dhenkanal district of Orissa. People, from all over India, flock to
Joranda to witness this grand fair. It is also known as the Mahima Mela
and usually falls on the Magha Purnima day, in the month of February.
Joranda Mela is the festival of the people belonging to Alekh/Mahima
dharma religion. It is a three day long affair, in which the Mahima
sanyasis gather to worship Mahima Gosain's Samadhi Pitha.
During Joranda Mela, the initiation of a Bairagi to an Apara Sanyasi
(superior caste of disciples in the Mahima sect) takes place. People who
congregate here for the fair are taught how to achieve nirvana. Since
1874, this fair is being held every year, without any gaps. The
celebrations organized on this mela also include a havan/yagan in the 'Yajnan
Kund'. It is said that in this kund, enough ghee is burned, so as
bring peace back to earth. The devotees who come here keep praying to
the Lord, saying 'Alekh Brahma' time and again.
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
