It was a normal morning, around 8 o’clock. I was at home, sitting and playing on my phone, when my mom called me and asked me to get some groceries from the nearby shop. Just as I was about to leave, my older brother stopped me and said, “How about a trip to Sunabeda?” I asked why, and he told me about the Maa Sunadei Yatra, a special journey for the goddess Maa Sunadei. Being someone who’s always up for an unexpected adventure, I agreed immediately!
In no time, I got ready, and soon my whole family – my parents, my brother, and his family – set off towards Sunabeda. It’s a beautiful wildlife sanctuary where Maa Sunadei is worshipped.
The journey from our village, Niljee, to Sunabeda was breathtaking. We traveled along the Biju Expressway, a smooth road that showcases the real beauty of Nuapada. It felt like we were in a moving painting – lush green fields, peaceful ponds, and hardworking farmers in their fields. We saw so many people riding bikes, all headed towards Sunabeda, adding to the excitement of the journey.
As we got closer to the Tikhali Dam reservoir, I was amazed – it looked like an ocean right beside the road. The water sparkled under the sunlight, stretching out so far that it looked endless. The road itself was curvy, winding through two big hills, and in some parts, workers were still carving out the road from the mountain. It felt like we were moving through a movie scene, with forests and hills all around.
Soon, we reached an army checkpoint, where we needed permission to enter the sanctuary. Once we got the green signal, we continued on our way, the excitement growing with every kilometer.
Finally, we reached a huge open field surrounded by mountains. We parked the car and joined the crowd of people walking towards the temple. The path was lined with stalls selling puja items like coconuts and flowers. As we got closer, the crowd became massive. It took me an hour of standing in line to reach the main temple area. Inside, army personnel were managing the huge number of people. I bowed before Maa Sunadei, feeling a deep sense of peace. As I stepped out, I looked back at the temple – it was a simple, old mud house, but the faith of the people made it feel more powerful than any grand structure.
After reuniting with my family (who had also lost track of me in the crowd!), we headed for lunch. Once we were recharged, we witnessed the highlight of the day – the Devi Chhatar Yatra. The crowd parted as volunteers and army men formed a human chain to guide the procession. People were lying on the ground in devotion, hoping for blessings from the goddess. It was a sight I’ll never forget – pure devotion and tradition.
After the yatra, we walked through the market area. Vendors from Odisha and Chhattisgarh were selling all kinds of things – handmade items, wooden crafts, clothes, watches, sweets, fruits, and more. We spent quite a bit of time browsing and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
As the day started to end, we began our journey back home. The beauty of the hills, the fields, and the big reservoir looked even more amazing on the way back. This unexpected trip became one of the most memorable days for me.
If you ever get a chance, go to Maa Sunadei Yatra. It’s not just a journey – it’s an experience full of nature, culture, and deep faith. Thank you for reading, and I hope you felt a bit of the beauty through my words!
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