Saintala, Balangir

Saintala, situated 35 km away from Balangir, is a place of interesting archaeological and historical importance. The place houses the famous Maa Chandeshwari Thakurani Temple where Goddess Chandi in Mahishasuramardini avatar is the consigned deity. This temple is believed to belong to the Somvansi period. The door of the temple is embellished with images of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu or the Dasavatara, Ganga and Yamuna.

Saintala celebrates all the important festivals of Odisha with grandeur. The festivals are Rath Yatra, Sabitri Brata, Durga Puja, Gaja Laxmi Puja, Diwali, Makar Sankranti, Holi or Dola Purnima, Manabasa Gurubar, Rakshya Bandhan, Bishuba or Pana Sankranti, Kartik Purnima, Janmastami, Nabanna or Nuakhai, Ganesh Puja Bhai Jiuntia, Pua Jiuntia, Ram Navami and Saraswati Puja.

The festival of Navratri Durgapuja is unique to Saintala. It is celebrated for nine days. During this time, Bhai Juntia is observed on the ashtami tithi or 8th day. A visit to Saintala is highly recommended especially during the festive periods.