Berhampur's unique doll fair: What keeps this 300-year-old tradition alive

Representative photo

Kandhei Jatra, a unique annual doll festival, was celebrated in Berhampur on Thursday evening. Hundreds of people gathered in the Bada Bazar area to witness the yatra, which is celebrated on Ashadha Purnima, also known as Vyas or Guru Purnima, The Times of India reported.

The festival, known for its traditional and modern doll displays, featured over 300 makeshift stalls stretching from Khaspa Street to Bada Bazar. While traditional dolls were showcased, fewer buyers were interested in them compared to modern toys, according to the report.

The festival, believed to be connected to the return of Lord Jagannath after the Rath Yatra, is celebrated for over 300 years.

"Very few people prefer to buy these dolls," Sunita Moharana of Gudia Deula Sahi, who, along with her family, spent a month crafting them, was quoted by TOI.

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," Jagannath Panda, a priest of Jagannath Temple, Khaspa Street, was quoted by TOI.

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 report added.

As per the report, other temples in the area were also opened at night. Police maintained tight security to ensure that the event passed off peacefully.