Joranda Mela

The annual Joranda Mela is held at the famous Joranda Monastery also known as the “Joranda Gadi “.

The festival is also popularly known as the “Magha Mela” / “Sadhu Festival” / “Festival of Monks” .

What is Joranda Mela / Magha Mela Known For?

In Odisha, Magha Purnima is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm, particularly by the people of the coastal regions. The festival is known as “Magha Mela” or “Magha Saptami” in the state.

Here’s how Magha Purnima is celebrated in Odisha:

1.Pilgrimage to Konark Sun Temple: One of the significant rituals associated with Magha Purnima in Odisha is the pilgrimage to the famous Konark Sun Temple. Devotees from various parts of the state and neighbouring regions visit the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings on this auspicious day.

2.Magha Mela at Chandrabhaga Beach: Chandrabhaga Beach near Konark is the focal point of Magha Purnima celebrations in Odisha. A large fair known as “Magha Mela” is organized at the beach, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists. People take holy dips in the Chandrabhaga River, which is considered highly auspicious on this day.

3.Ritual Bathing: Devotees wake up early in the morning and take ritual baths in rivers, ponds, or sea beaches. It is believed that bathing on Magha Purnima cleanses one of sins and bestows blessings for good health and prosperity.

4.Offerings and Prayers: Special prayers and rituals are performed at home and in temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Devotees offer flowers, fruits, incense, and sweets to the deity and seek divine blessings.

5.Charitable Acts: Magha Purnima is also a time for charity and helping the less fortunate. Devotees often engage in acts of charity such as feeding the poor, donating clothes, and providing assistance to those in need.

6.Cultural Programs and Festivities: Cultural programs, folk dances, and music performances are organised as part of the Magha Mela festivities. Traditional Odia delicacies are prepared and shared among family and friends.

Overall, Magha Purnima in Odisha is a time for spiritual rejuvenation, communal harmony, and festive celebrations, where people come together to seek blessings and enjoy the cultural richness of the region.

This Hindu festival is held on the full moon day of the Hindu calendar on Magha Purnima which normally occurs in January or February.

The festival draws a large number of pilgrims from all across India and these pilgrims turn up in large numbers to worship the supreme Mahima Gosain’s shrine .

The main shrines in the Mahima Gadi are the Sunya mandir , Dhuni mandir , Gadi Mandir and Akhanda Bati mandir . There is no idol worship inside these temples ever.

When is the annual Joranda Mela in 2026 ?

The annual Joranda mela festival is on February 01 and 02 of 2026

You can combine the Joranda mela tour with one of our odisha tribal tours

The main activities during the festival are the creation of a Yagya in which thousands of litres of butter or ghee is burnt , and later in the evening the lighting of the biggest lamp known as “Akhanda dhuni” by one of the senior saints of the monastery. Thousands of pilgrims from all over India arrive at the Monastery during this period and chant “Mahima Alekha” which can be heard in all parts of the Monastery. In this period its a chance for the pilgrims to meet their spiritual leaders at their housing complex inside the monastery and serve them better. Pilgrims prepare daily meals for the saints and their gurus and wish for the welfare for humanity , spreading love and kindness in the name of the supreme leader Mahima Gosain.

Itinerary
Things you should know

Day 1: Bhubaneswar - Dhenkanal

Arrival at Bhubaneswar – Meet and assistance at Airport – transfer to Dhenkanal- Evening visit Joranda Monastery to witness the festival at Dhuni Mandir – Witness lighting of the biggest lamp in the evening also known as the “Akhanda Deepa” . Visit monastery complex to meet various monks and their disciples. Overnight at Dhenkanal Palace

Day 2: Dhenkanal - Joranda Mela - Dhenkanal

After breakfast we proceed to visit interesting places surrounding Dhenkanal . First we shall visit the famous Ikat weaving textile village at Nuapatna. Demonstration of traditional looms and meet with weavers in their workshops. Later we shall proceed to visit Sadeibareni village , where villagers practise the traditional art of making Dhokra , a handicraft made by using the lost wax technique. Later we shall again visit the Joranda Monastery complex to see some of the important rituals in the Dhuni Mandir. Overnight at Palace

Day 3: Dhenkanal - Bhubaneswar

After breakfast drive back to Bhubaneswar also known as the temple city . Check into hotel – Later proceed for half day city tour of Bhubaneswar which includes visit to the Jain caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri – State tribal museum and finally visit Kala Bhoomi , museum of art and crafts . Overnight at Hotel in Bhubaneswar.

Day 4: Bhubaneswar - Puri

Bhubaneswar also known as the Temple city of India is dotted with more than 1000 temples old and new . Today we shall visit the ancient temples of Parshurameswar , Mukteshwar , Lingaraj , Rajarani , Vaital etc – Later we shall drive to Puri , on the way we stop by at Dhauli Peace pagoda and the yogini temple at Hirapur. Overnight at Hotel in Puri.

The Joranda Mela, held annually near Dhenkanal in Odisha, is a deeply spiritual and unique gathering of the Mahima Sadhus, ascetic followers of the Mahima Dharma sect. If you’re attending the mela as a visitor, especially on an Odisha tribal tour for photographers or cultural enthusiasts, here are some important things to keep in mind:

1. Respect the Sanctity of the Space

Joranda Mela is not a tourist fair—it is a sacred religious event. The sadhus live a life of extreme simplicity and devotion. Maintain a respectful distance, avoid loud conversations, and never interrupt rituals or prayer sessions.

2. Photography Etiquette

Always ask for permission before taking photos, especially close-ups of sadhus. Some may be open to being photographed, while others may prefer privacy. Use zoom lenses to capture candid moments respectfully.

3. Dress Conservatively

Modest clothing is essential. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees to show cultural sensitivity and respect toward the spiritual environment.

4. Footwear Protocol

Remove your footwear before entering any part of the ashram or sacred spaces. It’s customary and expected.

5. Silence is Golden

Avoid playing music, speaking loudly, or disrupting chants. Observing in silence will also help you immerse more fully in the spiritual atmosphere.

6. No Offerings Without Guidance

Do not try to offer food, money, or gifts to the sadhus unless instructed by an official or guide. Mahima Sadhus live by the principle of non-attachment and may not accept anything.

7. Stay Eco-Friendly

Avoid using plastic or leaving behind litter. Carry your own water bottle and dispose of any waste responsibly to preserve the serenity of the environment.

8. Best Time to Visit

The mela usually takes place during Magha Purnima (January–February). Arriving early in the morning or before sunset allows you to witness key rituals like fire worship and evening prayers.

9. Hire a Knowledgeable Local Guide

To truly understand the significance of the mela and Mahima Dharma, having a local guide or cultural interpreter is invaluable. Agencies like Alternative Tours India can provide insightful experiences with context.

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Joranda Mela Festival tour