14 hours ago
Tribals in Kotia soak in festive mood
Koraput: Defying overcast skies and a decades-long territorial dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, Kotia in Koraput district's Pottangi block came alive with devotion and celebration as hundreds of tribals participated in the Rath Yatra Saturday, the second day of the festival.
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Perched at an altitude of 1,024 metres above mean sea level and around 60 km from Koraput district headquarters, Kotia's Jagannath Temple established in 2002 by the Jagannath Temple Management Committee (JTMC) of Sabara Srikhetra, Koraput has been hosting the annual chariot festival with fervour. The second day of Rath Yatra marks the key rituals and festivities, drawing large tribal gatherings from across the region.
This year's celebration assumed added significance with the participation of five ministers from the state govt, including deputy chief minister KV Singh Deo and revenue minister Suresh Pujari. Other dignitaries included school and mass education minister Nityananda Gond, commerce and transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, fisheries and animal resources minister Gokulananda Mallik, Koraput MP Saptagiri Ulaka, Nabarangpur MP Balabhadra Majhi, Pottangi MLA and CLP leader Ramachandra Kadam, along with several MLAs and panchayat representatives.
"Kotia is an integral part of Odisha, and the state govt is committed to its development. Irrespective of political affiliations, everyone has come together for Rath Yatra celebrations," said Pujari.
Speaking about the govt's plan to address Kotia's issue, Pujari said a draft plan has been prepared after consultations with locals and leaders across the political spectrum.
This plan will soon be implemented with concrete steps, Pujari said, while emphasising the govt's broader commitment to developing border areas.
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Key focus areas include housing for the homeless, hostel construction in model schools, and a proposal for a grand Jagannath temple in Kotia, alongside improvements in tourism, education, and healthcare.
Despite cloudy weather, the locals pulled the chariot nearly 300 metres to the Gundicha Temple with traditional pomp, setting off nine days of celebrations. Over the years, the festival has grown in popularity, attracting devotees even from beyond the Kotia panchayat.
Collector (Koraput) V. Keerthi Vasan said the festival has evolved into a major tribal festival, with traditional music, dance, and community participation enriching the celebrations.
The spirited turnout and vibrant celebration have not only boosted Kotia's cultural prominence but also reaffirmed the state's emotional and administrative bond with the region, he added.
As drums echoed across the hills and the decorated chariot rolled on, the Rath Yatra once again underscored Kotia's identity both as a sacred tribal space and a focal point of state's cultural and political landscape.
"We are thrilled to witness such massive participation from ministers, MPs, and MLAs. This day means a lot to our village," said Ajay Pangi, a local resident. Another villager, Laichama Gamel, echoed the sentiment, saying, "The involvement of top leaders reflects the govt's commitment to resolving Kotia's long-pending challenges."
