Followers of self-styled godman ‘Sarathi Baba’, also known as Santosh Roul, organised New Year religious gatherings in Bhadrak district on Wednesday and Thursday, days after a similar event was reported in Paradip.
According to sources, hundreds of devotees assembled at Patuli village under the Bhandarpokhari block on Thursday evening, where a satsang and devotional programme was organised to mark the New Year. Participants were seen offering prayers before the portrait of Sarathi Baba, singing devotional songs, and taking part in group rituals.
The event was held in an open area, where the godman’s photograph and symbolic footwear were placed on a decorated platform adorned with flowers. Several participants wore peacock feathers as part of the ritual observance, while the programme continued late into the night despite cold weather conditions.
Organisers stated that the gathering also coincided with the birthday of a local youth, which was observed alongside the New Year celebrations. Satsang sessions, meditation, and discourses based on Sarathi Baba’s teachings were conducted during the programme.
A large number of devotees from different parts of Bhadrak district attended the event. Organisers claimed that over a thousand people participated, and a charitable initiative was also undertaken, with blankets distributed among attendees as part of a service activity.
