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‘Aradhana Mahotsav’ from August 29

BHUBANESWAR: The city of temples is gearing up for the 336th ‘aradhana mahotsav’ (devotional festival) of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, the famous Kannada saint, at the Raghavendra Swamy mutt here from August 29 to 31.

One of the 180 branches of the well-known Pejawar mutt of Udupi in Karnataka, the 15-year-old festival has become an annual feature . And with participation of people from different faiths, sects and communities, it has become a symbol of unity in diversity. “Every year we receive a large number of devotees from various communities of the State for this annual spiritual gathering. They have formed a forum namely Bhubaneswar Bhakta Samaj that hosts the event,” informed the mutt’s chief priest R. Laxminarayana Samaga.

As per the instructions received from the Sri Vishwesha Thirtha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt, seven kinds of ‘sevas’ (special rites) shall be performed this year during the gathering that the devotees would be allowed to perform. The ‘sevas’ are ‘anna santarpana seva’, ‘sarva samarpana’, ‘aradhana seva’, ‘sahasra shanka kshirabhisheka’, ‘rathothasava’, ‘panchamruta’ and ‘samohika Satayanarayana puja’, he elaborated.

Religious rites apart, the devotional festival will feature several cultural programmes, it was learnt. Classical vocalist Sachin Ramesh will have a recital on August 29. The other performers will be Odissi dancer Aurosmita Acharya and Kolkata-based Ved Bhavan Bhajan Madal. Special drive is being initiated among the devotees to provide facilities.

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