ମୋ ଅନୁଭୂତି: ବୈଶାଖ ମେଳା 2025 ର ଗନ୍ଧମାର୍ଦନ ଯାତ୍ରା

My Soulful Journey to Baisakh Mela 2025 at Gandhamardan

There are places that leave a mark on your soul — and for me, Gandhamardan Parvat is one such place. Every year during Baisakh Mela, this sacred mountain nestled between Harishankar and Nrusinghnath wakes up with divine chants, bustling devotees, and the rhythm of Sambalpuri beats. This year, I decided to soak in the entire experience, not as a tourist, but as a seeker — of stories, nature, and devotion.

🛕 From My First Step at Harishankar…

The moment I reached Harishankar, I was welcomed by the sound of temple bells, the smell of incense, and the sight of devotees lining up with folded hands and glowing faces. The temple was beautifully decorated, and the air felt electric with bhakti. People were singing bhajans, some were dipping in the sacred stream flowing beside the temple, and others were simply sitting with closed eyes, absorbing peace.

I took a moment to sit under a peepal tree, letting the breeze and the holy chants calm my mind. It felt like time had slowed down.

🌄 The Trek – A Spiritual & Natural High

Then came the most exciting part — the trek from Harishankar to Nrusinghnath. With my water bottle and camera, I began walking along the rocky trails, which curved through dense green forests, hidden waterfalls, and unexpected wild herbs. Along the way, I met fellow pilgrims and trekkers — young, old, some barefoot, some carrying children.

Every step felt like a journey through time. Locals told me about ancient medicinal plants, rare birds, and even spots where Hanuman is believed to have stepped while carrying the Sanjeevani mountain. The deeper I went, the more connected I felt — not just to nature, but to something beyond.

🎶 Nrusinghnath – Culture Comes Alive

Reaching Nrusinghnath by evening was nothing short of magic. The temple complex was glowing in soft lights, and the sound of Sankirtan filled the air. But what truly amazed me was the vibrant cultural program taking place near the mela ground.

Local artists performed Sambalpuri folk dances, groups sang traditional songs, and children acted out scenes from Odisha’s legends. I watched families cheering, clapping, and dancing together — it felt like a festival of the heart.

Stalls lined up the road selling everything from bamboo crafts to tribal jewelry, and of course, food! I tasted pakhala with saga bhaja, bara-ghuguni, and couldn’t resist the smell of chhena poda. It wasn’t just a fair — it was a celebration of everything Odisha stands for.

🙏 More Than Just a Mela

This journey reminded me why Baisakh Mela at Gandhamardan is so much more than a religious event. It’s a time when people connect with their roots, nature, and culture. It’s a reminder that spirituality isn’t always found in silence — sometimes, it’s in the collective joy of a community singing together, in the tired feet of an old pilgrim climbing a hill, or in a child dancing freely under the open sky.

📷 A Few Moments I’ll Never Forget:

• An old man offering me water during the trek with a smile that said everything.
• A child selling hand-made garlands who later joined me to dance during a Sambalpuri performance.
• A group of women singing lok geet while cooking for visitors.
• The look on my own face when I finally bowed before Lord Nrusinghnath.

📅 See You in Baisakh 2026?

If you’ve never experienced the Baisakh Mela at Gandhamardan, make a promise to yourself — visit next year. Don’t just go to “see” it; go to “feel” it. Let the mountain speak to you. Let the music, devotion, and nature change something inside you — like it did to me.

Until then,
Jai Harishankar! Jai Nrusinghnath! Jai Gandhamardan!