Bhubaneswar: Danduas are the folk who participate in Danda Jatra and end their penance on Maha Vishubha Sankranti by walking on fire. This is one of the oldest forms of worship known where the devotees worship their village godesses or Maa Kali.
The danduas go through a strict set of regulations in order to complete their penance. It’s mostly done when one asks the lord to fulfill on of their wishes.
The participants involve themselves in three types of Danda namely Dhuli Danda, Pani Danda and Nia Danda which translates to Dust, water and fire.
Parents who have asked something for their kids take their kids along and complete the Nia Danda. The penance ends on Maha Visubha Sankranti which is also known as Meru Sankranti.