Budhi Thakurani yatra also known as Ghata yatra is one of the most popular festivals celebrated in Berhampur city of Odisha and Southern Orissa. This great festival is celebrated during the month of Chaitra according to the Hindu calendar which falls in March/April.
It is celebrated every alternate year. It is believed that during this festival, Goddess Thakurani comes to her father’s home. It is believed that the Goddess returns to her father’s home every alternate year like a daughter returns to her father’s house after marriage. The celebrations remain for a month and people celebrate with great joy and enthusiasm.
Goddess Thakurani is considered the istadevi of Berhampur. As well known a child feels safe around their mother the same as the inhabitants of Brahmapur always possess safe feelings under the blessing of Maa Budhi Thakurani.
Therefore, the people of the city worship Goddess Budhi Maa and have a strong belief in the Goddess as their Surakshya Kabacha that she will safeguard people with her blessings. During this festival, the Goddess Thakurani showers blessings and love upon the people.
During the celebration days, the whole town of Berhampur is decorated with lights and flowers to welcome Goddess. The huge images of different goddesses are displayed on Raths and the deity of Goddess is taken to her father’s house where she stays for a month and then returns to her husband’s house.
Folk dance forms, cultural events, and drama are performed during this festival which is the chief attraction of this great festival of Berhampur city. The celebration of this great yatra is held for a month which generally starts in April and ends in May.
History of Budhi Thakurani Yatra
Goddess is considered as the daughter of Desi Behera and during the celebration it is believed that the goddess returns to her father’s house and stays there for a month. Thakurani yatra is Celebrated every alternate year to bring goddesses to her father’s house.
The celebration was started by the Dara People, who were from a waiver community from Rajahmundry.
Why Budhi Thakurani Yatra is Celebrated
Goddess is considered the istadevi of Berhampur city. As we know a child feels safe around their mother, the same as the inhabitants of Brahmapur always possess safe feelings under the blessing of Maa Budhi Thakurani. Therefore, the people of the city worship Goddess Budhi Thakurani Maa and have a strong belief in the Goddess as they know that the goddess will safeguard people with her blessings and always protect them anyhow. That’s why this great festival of Berhampur city is celebrated every alternate year so that the goddess will come to her father’s house and bless people. During this great festival, Goddess showers her blessings and love to the people.
Who started celebrating the Budhi Thakurani Yatra?
Maa Thakurani Temple was originally worshipped by the Dera People, Dera was a community of weavers from Rajahmundry. So, They only started the celebration of Maa Budhi Thakurani yatra.
Highlights of Budhi Thakurani Yatra
Brahmapur Goddess Maa Thakurani is famous for the yatra which is also known as Ghata Yatra or Thakurani Yatra.
This festival is the major festival celebrated in Brahmapur and southern Orissa.
Budhi Thakurani yatra is celebrated every alternate year during the month of Chaitwhen the Goddess returns to her father’s house after marriage.
This festival is celebrated for an entire month and is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm.
During the festival, the whole town is decorated beautifully with flowers and lights. Huge images of Goddesses are decorated on raths.
Folk dances, music, and drama are the major attractions during the festival.
Budhi Thakurani Yatra 2023
In 2023, Maa Budhi Thakurani yatra was celebrated from 04 April 2023 to 01 May 2023 in Berhampur City.
Budhi Thakurani Yatra 2022
Budhi Thakurani yatra is conducted every alternate year. It was conducted in 2021, so it was not celebrated in 2022.
Next Budhi Thakurani Yatra
The next Budhi Thakurani Yatra will be celebrated in March 2025 and will end in April month. This Yatra is conducted for a full month.
How to Reach Berhampur
Budhi Thakurani temple is located in the heart of the Berhampur city of Odisha state. It is one of the major cities of Odisha. Berhampur doesn’t have an airport but has good railway and road connectivity.
How to reach Berhampur by Air
Berhampur city doesn’t have an airport, the nearest airport to Berhampur is Biju Patnaik International Airport Bhubaneswar which is located around 165.9 km from Berhampur city and is well connected with the other major cities of India.
How to reach Berhampur by Train
Berhampur has its railway station known as Berhampur railway station which is one of the oldest railway stations and is well connected to all major cities of the country.
How to reach Berhampur by Bus
Berhampur city has a well-constructed road and many regular bus services are available which connects it to other major cities of Odisha.
Read More about Odisha
FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple located?
Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple is located in Berhampur.
What is the best time to visit Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple?
The best time to visit Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple is during Budhi Thakurani Yatra which is celebrated in Chaitra Month during April-May.
When is the Budhi Thakurani Yatra celebrated in Odisha?
Budhi Thakurani yatra is celebrated every alternate year during the Chaitra Month according to the Hindu calendar that falls in March- April.
Why is the Budhi Thakurani Yatra is Celebrated?
The great festival of Berhampur city Amaa Budhi Thakurani yatra is celebrated every alternate year to get the blessing of Maa Budhi Thakurani, who is considered the istadevi of Berhampur. During this celebration, the Goddess comes to her father’s house and blesses devotees. During this festival, the Goddess shows the people her blessings and love.
When will the next Budhi Thakurani Yatra celebrated?
The next Budhi Thakurani Yatra will be celebrated in March 2025 and will end in April month. This Yatra is conducted for a full month.