Chandrabhaga Mela is the most popular festival which falls in the month of February at Odisha. This day is specifically set aside for the worship of the Sun God at Konark. Although the temple is reduce to rubble, even today thousands of pilgrims gather at Konark annually on the Magha Sukla Saptami, the day of Spring Festival, to commemorate the new birth of the Sun God.
Chandrabhaga Fair is one such marvellous view that truly earns the attention of the tourists. This fair acquaints all travellers, pilgrims and explorers the same, with the rituals and traditions practiced in this area of the nation. The second largest festival in Odisha, following the Car Festival of Puri, it is the most colourful and pulsating festival noted.
Legends of Chandrabhaga Mela
The festival of Chandrabhaga Mela is named after the river Chandrabhaga itself and is considered very sacred by the people of Odisha. The roots of this festival are traced to a mythical tale in which Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, intruded into the chamber of his parents when they were in a state of private bliss. Upon this, Krishna cursed his son with leprosy. Since the punishment was too sharp for such an unintended act by Samba, Narad took discontent on him and instructed him to seek a cure at the Chandrabhaga River. The place where Samba is said to have meditated and worshipped the Sun God after ablutions in the river for 12 years, has become a sacred spot possessing curative properties.
Celebration of Chandrabhaga Mela
Nearly 80 percent of the people start the journey back home after "Darshan" (worship), stopping on the way for offerings at the local shrines on the beach and the thakurbari (home of the local priest). Small groups, mostly family members, can be seen gathered around pandas (priests) who perform pujas. After drawing the outline of the Jagannath temple in the sand, small mounds of wet sand representing each family member are placed within, along with earthen lamps and flowers. This, accompanied by the panda"s chanting, which is repeated by family members, is intended to lead wealth. These rites last from 15 to 30 minutes. As the morning stretches, the sands and the fisher folk, with their catamarans, regain ability on Chandrabhaga.
Visiting information of Chandrabhaga Mela
There are some modes of transportation accessible to reach Chandrabhaga Mela and experience the Mela. The place is also well connected with the other places. The nearest airport and rail head to Chandrabhaga Beach is situated at Puri, which is about 31 kilometres away.
