Ratha Jatra of Sri Dadhibaman is one of the prominent festivals of Western Odisha. Sri Dadhibaman Temple is situated in Bhatli block of Bargarh district. From different historical sources, it is known that the temple of Sri Dadhibaman was founded in 1912.
According to the Hindu calendar, the annual chariot festival of Sri Dadhibaman begins on the second day of Shukla Paksha of Ashadha month. On this day, the Lord comes out of the temple and makes his journey to reach the nearby Mausi Maa Temple. The Lord is brought to the top of the chariot after the famous Pahandi Rituals. A huge crowd catch a glimpse of the Lord during this divine journey. It is believed that a glimpse of Sri Dadhibaman sitting atop the chariot grants moksha.
A large number of people visit Bhatli during this time to witness the grand festival. Even devotees from neighbouring states, i.e., Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh visit the place to seek the blessings of Lord Dadhibaman. The richly decorated chariot is the major attraction of this festival.
The Gountia of Bhatli performs the ‘Chhera Pahanra’ rituals, i.e., sweeping the floor of the chariot with scented water. After this ritual, the chariot is pulled by the devotees.
Before reaching the Mausi Maa Mandir, the chariot is stopped at several places for ‘Ratha Chhuan’ tradition. It is an age-old tradition in which parents take their new-born babies to touch the chariot of Sri Dadhibaman. This ritual is performed for the happiness and good health of the child.
Throughout the year, many festivals associated with Lord Dadhibaman are celebrated in the temple. Among all, Ratha Jatra is very famous. It is the day when the Lord comes out of His abode and gives Darshan. People from different sections of the society take part in this festival with great enthusiasm.
Krittika Satpathy