Patnagarh: The centuries-old folk festival Bael Jatra was celebrated with great fervour at Patnagarh in Bolangir district marking a vibrant display of folk culture and devotion to Maa Pataneswari. The festival honours Maa Pataneswari, with her divine presence embodied in ornate ‘chhatar’, a symbol of royalty and divinity. On the ninth day of the month of Dussehra, Maa Pataneswari is invited to the temple. Patnagarh SDPO Sadananda Pujari said elaborate security arrangements were made to conduct Bael Jatra peacefully. The Deputy Chief Minister said, “this festival is a testament to our deep-rooted traditions and the unwavering devotion of our people to Maa Dangei, Maa Pataneswari and Maa Samaleswari.”