Bhubaneswar, Feb. 1 -- The annual Magh Mela is set to commence on Sunday at Joranda in Odisha's Dhenkanal district, with a large congregation of Mahima sadhus and devotees arriving from different parts of the country.

One of the most important religious gatherings of the Mahima sect, the mela has entered its 153rd year.

Sadhus and devotees from across Odisha and several other states have begun assembling at the Joranda Peeth ahead of the mela. Rituals will be held at the Gadi Temple, the samadhi shrine of Gosain, where devotees will offer ghee and coconuts into the sacred fire and pray for the welfare of the world. The mela is observed on the full moon day of Magha, which falls during January-February.

Extensive arrangements have been ...