Bastaren Mouli Jatra Celebrated in Kokasara’s Temra Village, Kalahandi

The Ashadha Kena Mandei Jatra dedicated to Maa Bastaren Mouli was celebrated with great devotion on August 3, 2026 in Temra village of Kokasara, Kalahandi. Known locally as Bastaren Mouli Jatra, the festival takes place in the region. Deeply linked to Odisha's farming tradition, the annual event features the Lathi Yatra ritual and blessings from Kaalisi, drawing thousands of devotees each year. Local custom dictates that paddy sowing and transplantation commence only after this observance. The festival is also referred to as Ashadha Kena Mandei Jatra and is recognised as a famous tribal and farming festival in Kalahandi, Odisha. According to Kanak News, Odisha's leading 24x7 news and current affairs TV channel from Eastern Media Limited, the event highlights the deep connection between religious observance and agricultural practice in the area. Kanak News, which also publishes the daily Sambad, provides breaking news, live updates and coverage of such cultural festivals across Odisha, including details on rituals, attendance and timing for farming activities.

What rituals are part of the Bastaren Mouli Jatra?

The celebration features the Lathi Yatra, a traditional procession in which participants carry sticks. Devotees also receive blessings from Kaalisi during the event. As noted by Kanak News, the festival attracts thousands of devotees annually. The Lathi Yatra is described as a unique ritual that forms part of the Ashadha Kena Mandei Jatra observances. During the procession, devotees walk with sticks as part of the observance. Following the procession, the blessings from Kaalisi are conferred upon the participants.

Why is the festival important for local farmers?

The report states that local farmers wait for the festival to finish before starting paddy sowing and transplantation. By marking the time to begin field work, the Jatra reinforces its connection to Odisha's farming tradition. Hence the festival serves the community. According to Kanak News, the observance is deeply linked to Odisha's farming tradition, with local farmers traditionally beginning paddy sowing and transplantation only after this sacred festival. The festival is also described as an agricultural festival in Odisha. The timing of the event thus aligns religious practice with the agricultural calendar followed by farmers in Temra village and surrounding areas.

Kanak News continues to monitor and report on such cultural events, providing timely updates to its audience across Odisha.

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