Thousands make bee line to Jagannath Temple to observe 'Badabadua Daka'

On the occasion of Diwali today, thousands of people from far-off places were seen making a beeline to the Jagannath Temple located in Odisha's Puri and offering tributes and homage to their ancestors since dawn.

It is believed that observing this age-old tradition ritual in Puri on the occasion of Diwali brings peace to the souls of the forefathers and they bless their grandchildren.

The ritual---Badabadua Daka---holding bunches of burning jute-stems in hand though started this morning.

The invocation process involves the chanting of a prayer , " Badabadua ho andhaare aasa, aalua re jaa (Oh hon'ble ancestors, come in darkness and go back along the lighted path ). The oldest member of a family chants these lines and other members of the family with lighted bundles of jute-stems in their hands.

However, the event would gain its real momentum towards the evening, which will continue till mid-night.

To ensure the smooth flow of large number of devotees into the temple, special arrangements have been made by district administration.