Joranda Mela

In the month of January, thousands of people and ascetics arrive at the international headquarters of Mahima Dharma at Joranda in Dhenkanal district of Odisha to participate in Magha Mela, also called Joranda Mela. Magha Mela is exclusively a mass prayer of ascetics for welfare of the world, which aims at spreading the message of love and humanity, sans any rituals, in the name of Mahima Gosain, the founder of Mahima Dharma. Beginning with Baba Purnima, Magha Mela is observed to mark the day of salvation of Mahima Gosain in Sunya Mandir at Joranda in 1876. The Mela is organised by the Mahanitya Sadhubhakta Mandali (Kaupanidhari society), the Satya Mahima Dharma Dhama Parichalana Samiti (Bakaldhari) and the Dhenkanal administration. The Magha Mela is celebrated on a full moon day in the month of Magha (between January and February) and continues for three days. Mahima Gosain had envisioned a classless society during the 18th century when the lower caste people were tortured by the zamindars and other rich people. He had also opposed the idea of conversion from Hinduism to Christianity. Later, his ideology influenced the society at large. His unconditional spiritual service, the message of love, humanity and universal brotherhood attracted thousands of devotees. He had ignited a perennial flame called the Akhanda Dhuni' at Joranda, which continues to burn to this day. During the mela, devotees of other castes, creeds and religions also enter the Mahima shrines known as Gadi Mandir, Dhuni Mandir, Akhanda Bati Mandir and Ghanta Mandir.