Koraput: The road leading to the Gupteswar cave shrine looks orange from a afar with the sound of bells emanating from the usually silent forest.

Kanwariyas are thronging the shrine to pour water over the Shiv linga during the holy month of Shravan. The journey of the devotees from river Kolab at Patraput, after collecting the water, to the shrine is popularly known as Kaudi Yatra (journey of devotees carrying water).

Apart from devotees from several parts of the state, also people from Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh participate in the yatra.

According to conservative estimates, more than 50,000 devotees come to Gupteswar during Shravan every year. Started nearly two decades ago, the kaudi yatra is much popular among youngsters of the state. Mondays are considered especially auspicious.

On Sunday, some youths from Balangir district were overjoyed after completing their journey to the cave shrine where Lord Shiv is said to have spent sometime in hiding. "We had always wanted to come to Gupteswar in kaudi yatra and today (Sunday), our dream has been fulfilled. We are eagerly waiting to pour water on the linga early on Monday morning," said an elated youth who had covered more than 300km by foot to reach the holy cave.

Devotee in large numbers are also purchasing the specially designed dress and other materials required for their yatra giving trade a high boost in the area.

"My stocks of the specially designed clothes for the kaudi yatra were exhausted within the first few days. I have ordered for more. No less that 50 pair's are being sold every day," said Bharat Jumani, a Jeypore-based trader.

Local youths' associations have also pitched in to help the devout. They have made arrangements for food and medicines at various points on the 40 kilometres road between Boipariguda and Gupteswar.