Chaitra Jatra
The grand annual celebration at Tara Tarini Temple - a spiritual gathering of lakhs of devotees
Festival Overview
Chaitra Jatra is the most significant annual festival at Tara Tarini Temple, celebrated during the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April). This grand festival commemorates the divine grace of Goddess Tara and Goddess Tarini, drawing lakhs of devotees from across India.
The festival is especially known for the traditional tonsure ceremony (Mundan Sanskar), where thousands of children have their first haircut as an offering to the divine mothers. This sacred ritual is believed to bring blessings of health, prosperity, and divine protection for the child.
Each Tuesday during the Chaitra month witnesses the highest footfall, with over 80,000 devotees visiting on peak days. The temple extends its hours and makes special arrangements to accommodate the massive gathering of pilgrims.
Quick Information
Timing
Chaitra Month (March-April)
Duration
15-21 Days
Peak Footfall
80,000+ daily
Location
Kumari Hills, Ganjam
Sacred Rituals & Ceremonies
Mundan Sanskar (Tonsure Ceremony)
The traditional head-shaving ceremony performed on children as an offering to the divine mothers. Thousands of families participate in this sacred ritual.
Bhoga Offerings
Special food offerings prepared with traditional recipes and offered to the deities throughout the festival period.
Maha Aarti
Grand lamp ceremony performed with hundreds of lamps, creating a spectacular spiritual atmosphere.
Ratri Jagaran
Night-long vigil with devotional songs, prayers, and spiritual discourses.
Visitor Guidelines
Facilities Available
Festival Timings
4:00 AM
Temple Opening
11:00 PM
Temple Closing
Continuous
Darshan Available
* Timings may vary on peak days. Please check daily notices for updates.