Joranda Mela derives its name from its venue - Joranda, located in the Dhenkanal district of Orissa. People, from all over India, flock to Joranda to witness this grand fair. It is also known as the Mahima Mela and usually falls on the Magha Purnima day, in the month of February. Joranda Mela is the festival of the people belonging to Alekh/Mahima dharma religion. It is a three day long affair, in which the Mahima sanyasis gather to worship Mahima Gosain's Samadhi Pitha.
During Joranda Mela, the initiation of a Bairagi to an Apara Sanyasi (superior caste of disciples in the Mahima sect) takes place. People who congregate here for the fair are taught how to achieve nirvana. Since 1874, this fair is being held every year, without any gaps. The celebrations organized on this mela also include a havan/yagan in the ‘Yajnan Kund’. It is said that in this kund, enough ghee is burned, so as bring peace back to earth. The devotees who come here keep praying to the Lord, saying ‘Alekh Brahma’ time and again.
Location: Joranda in Dhenkanal district of Orissa
Time: Magha Purnima day (February)
Duration: 3 days
Significance: Mahima sanyasis (saints) gather to worship Mahima Gosain's Samadhi Pitha