The renowned Chhatar Yatra of Goddess Sunadei, one of Nuapada district’s most celebrated festivals, concluded with traditional rituals this year. As in previous years, the sacred peeth of Maa Sunadei at Bodabali turned blood-soaked with animal sacrifices, drawing thousands of devotees from across the state and beyond who offered their tributes and sought the goddess’s blessings. The belief runs deep that witnessing the deity during the Chhatar Yatra fulfils one’s heartfelt wishes.

Goddess Sunadei is the presiding deity of the ancient Chukotia Bhunjia tribal community. They reside in the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary. Perched atop a mountain peak at over 3,500 feet above sea level, the much-discussed sanctuary hosted more than 59,000 devotees this time. This turned the event into a grand spe

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