Leaders of ruling and opposition parties today took part in farmers' festival 'Akhi Muthi Anukula', the ceremonial act of sowing seeds in paddy fields after ploughing, on the day of 'Akshaya Tritiya'.
As the occasion marks the commencement of agricultural activities before onset of the monsoon, the farmers worshipped the mother earth and Goddess Laxmi.
The day also marked the beginning of 'Chandan Yatra' of deities at several shrines in Odisha. The construction of chariots for Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath also began today.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik greeted the people and wished a good harvest season and prosperity of farmers.
Patnaik participated in the 'Akhi Muthi Anukula' at the state-level 'Krushak Divas' (Farmers' Day) organised at Nakachi in Angul district and inaugurated as many as 11 projects.
"Odisha government is committed to development of agriculture and farmers of the state. The farmers should avail the benefits of various welfare schemes meant for them," Patnaik said at Angul.
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He said special emphasis is being given to ensure supply of adequate water, fertiliser and for providing hassle-free loans to the farming community.
The leaders of other political parties also participated in the festival.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Prasad Harichandan took part in 'Akhi Muthi Anukula' ceremony at Kusumati in Khurda district while BJP state president Basanta Panda participated in a similar ceremony at Banki in Cuttack district.
The 'Akshaya Tritiya' is considered to be auspicious for new beginnings like weddings, buying property, making investments and others. It is believed that things started on the day of 'Akshaya Tritiya' continue to grow and prosper.
Akshaya Tritiya is also celebrated as the birth day of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is also considered to be the day when Ved Vyasa and Lord Ganesha started writing the Mahabharata.