Jagatsinghpur: Keeping the tradition alive, the head of Jagatsinghpur district administration was crowned as a ‘king’ for one day at Baladevjew temple in Sidhala village of the district on Sunday.

Amid sounds of conchs and cymbals, Collector of Jagatsinghpur district, Sangram Keshari Mohapatra was enthroned. He along with his wife worshipped the ‘Chaturddha Murti’ and held discussions with officials and locals. Patiently Sangram Keshari heard the complaints presented by locals.

Lack of main road, drainage system and, drinking water facility and absence of much pucca houses for underprivileged were some of the main issues raised by locals before the new king. In turn the king also directed government officials to look into the matter.

Before the coronation, the Jagatsinghpur Collector was taken in a procession to the Siddhala Baladevjew temple.

On the auspicious occasion of Pausa Purnima on Sunday, locals choose someone who sweeps the chariots of deities or performs ‘Chera Pahanra’ rituals during Rath Yatra at the Baladevjew temple, the concerned person was chosen as king. As the district Collector performs the ‘Chera Pahanra’, he was coronated as the king.

Thousands of devotees had congregated in Jagatsinghpur town to witness the unique tradition.