An end to the 21 days of Danda Nata, otherwise also called the penance dance is Meru Yatra, held a day before Mahavisubha Sankranti. One of the most ancient forms of traditional worships, this is widely celebrated in the southern part of Odisha which was once the heartland of the ancient Kalinga Empire.
The participants who are only male members take part in this festival that is observed for 13,18 and 21 days. There are three types of Dandas namely, Dhuli Danda, Pani Danda and Nia Danda. The devotees who participate in this have to adhere to some strict rules that include eating one time during the day. They worship Lord Shiva and Maa Kali.
After the two year ban on the congregation of devotees owing to the pandemic, the worshippers finally came out to pray the lord to grant them their wishes.
