Bhubaneswar, Feb. 4 -- The annual Magha Mela began at the Mahima Gadi in Dhenkanal's Joranda on Saturday.

The two-day-long festival of the Mahima sadhus is expected to see a huge rush of visitors and devotees as it is being held after a Covid-induced gap of two years.

Bakkaladhari sadhu, Baba Pramod Das said, "Everything is at its designated place. All the sadhus who have come here to participate have taken their places. The puja will be conducted as per the rituals."

Sushant Das, a Kaupindhari sadhu said, "This is the 147th Magha Mela here in Joranda. This is being held after a suspension of two years due to Covid restrictions. After the demolition of the outer pandal, clouds of uncertainty were hovering over this year's mela. But the...