Kandhei Yatra draws huge crowd in Berhampur's Bada Bazar

Time of India

11-07-2025

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Berhampur: Hundreds of people thronged the Bada Bazar area in silk city on Thursday evening to witness Kandhei Yatra, the unique doll festival celebrated on Ashadha Purnima, also known as Vyas or Guru Purnima.
Varieties of dolls, both traditional and modern, were exhibited at the festival, which continued until midnight. The event featured an impressive display of traditional and modern dolls at over 300 makeshift stalls stretching from Khaspa Street to Bada Bazar. While the festival showcased a variety of dolls — ranging from cow dung and clay to electronic toys — traditional dolls saw fewer buyers.
"Very few people prefer to buy these dolls," said Sunita Moharana of Gudia Deula Sahi, who, along with her family, spent a month crafting them.
Nilakanth Sahu of Jaura Street said, "My forefathers made these dolls for the festival, and we have continued the tradition." Although the festival has been observed for over 300 years, there is no historical evidence of its origin.
"We have no idea about the origin of the festival, but it is connected with the return of Lord Jagannath to his abode after the Rath Yatra," said Jagannath Panda, a priest of Jagannath Temple, Khaspa Street.
On Kandhei Yatra night, Lord Jagannath's idol at Khaspa Street was given pattabhisheka (installation of legs and hands), and the temple doors remained open until midnight for devotees. The doors of other temples in the area, including the famous Budhi Thakurani temple, were also opened at night.
Police maintained tight security to ensure the event passed off peacefully.
Berhampur: Hundreds of people thronged the Bada Bazar area in silk city on Thursday evening to witness Kandhei Yatra, the unique doll festival celebrated on Ashadha Purnima, also known as Vyas or Guru Purnima.
Varieties of dolls, both traditional and modern, were exhibited at the festival, which continued until midnight. The event featured an impressive display of traditional and modern dolls at over 300 makeshift stalls stretching from Khaspa Street to Bada Bazar. While the festival showcased a variety of dolls — ranging from cow dung and clay to electronic toys — traditional dolls saw fewer buyers.
"Very few people prefer to buy these dolls," said Sunita Moharana of Gudia Deula Sahi, who, along with her family, spent a month crafting them.
Nilakanth Sahu of Jaura Street said, "My forefathers made these dolls for the festival, and we have continued the tradition." Although the festival has been observed for over 300 years, there is no historical evidence of its origin.
"We have no idea about the origin of the festival, but it is connected with the return of Lord Jagannath to his abode after the Rath Yatra," said Jagannath Panda, a priest of Jagannath Temple, Khaspa Street. On Kandhei Yatra night, Lord Jagannath's idol at Khaspa Street was given pattabhisheka (installation of legs and hands), and the temple doors remained open until midnight for devotees. The doors of other temples in the area, including the famous Budhi Thakurani temple, were also opened at night.
Police maintained tight security to ensure the event passed off peacefully.