Khanda Basa and Munda Basa Festivals Mark Start of Saradiya Celebrations in Kalahandi

The 16-day Saradiya festival began in Kalahandi on Sunday evening with the traditional observance of Khanda Basa at Junagarh and Munda Basa at Bhawanipatna, coinciding with Mulastami.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

In Junagarh, the former capital of the region, the Khanda Basa ritual was performed at the Lankeswari temple. After ceremonial purification of two sacred swords of deities Lankeswari and Budharaja, secret tantric rituals were held, following which Maharaja Ananta Pratap Deo, scion of the erstwhile royal family, placed the swords on rice heaps at the altar. Despite the abolition of princely rule, the roy