Koraput: Rath Yatra at Kotia, the tribal border panchayat at the centre of the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh territorial dispute, under Pottangi block, witnessed a massive turnout on Friday as hundreds of tribal devotees from surrounding villages participated.Located about 60km from Koraput town at an altitude of around 1,024m above mean sea level, Kotia emerged as a unique tribal centre of Jagannath tradition. The Jagannath temple, established in 2002 by the Jagannath Temple Management Committee of Sabara Srikhetra in Koraput, has since hosted the Rath Yatra.Amid the rhythmic beats of dhol and mahuri, devotees dressed in colourful tribal attire pulled the decorated chariot nearly 300 metres to the Gundicha Temple on Friday. Traditional dance performances and folk music added to the festive atmosphere, with devotees from neighbouring villages joining the celebrations. Ownership of 21 out of the 28 villages under Kotia gram panchayat remains disputed between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, with the matter pending before the Supreme Court since 1968. Despite the legal battle, the annual Rath Yatra has become a symbol of the region’s cultural identity and enduring association with Lord Jagannath.Collector (Koraput) Manoj Satyawan Mahajan, SP Rohit Verma, Pottangi MLA Ram Chandra Kadam and Koraput MLA Raghuram Machha were also present during the celebrations. “The Rath Yatra at Kotia has evolved into a major cultural festival that reflects the rich tribal heritage and communal harmony of the region. The district administration has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure the festival is conducted peacefully and smoothly,” Mahajan said.Pottangi MLA Ram Chandra Kadam said, “Kotia has always been an inseparable part of Odisha. The overwhelming participation of tribal communities in the Rath Yatra reflects their deep-rooted faith and rich cultural traditions. The govt remains committed to the overall development of the region.”
Devotees throng the Rath Yatra site in Kotia on Friday
