Dhenkanal: The famous Gajalakshmi Puja has begun in Dhenkanal, with great fervour and enthusiasm. On Monday evening, Goddess Mahalakshmi descended on earth with the chanting of vedic hymns by Brahmins, and the city is buzzing with excitement.
The puja mandaps are decorated with vibrant kalas yatra, traditional music, and fireworks, amidst the sound of bells, conch shells, and haribol.
The Jibanyasa ritual has become the centre of attraction at the puja mandap, with the arrival of Maa Laxmi filling the minds of young and old with spiritual consciousness. The mother has been invited to 38 puja mandaps in the town, and the entire city is in a festive mood, decorated with attractive decorations, arches, and colourful garlands.
The puja will be celebrated till October 14, and the immersion festival will be held on October 15. The city is expecting a large gathering of devotees, and security arrangements have been made with the deployment of eight platoons of forces.
The puja committee and devotees have brought water in earthen pots from various water bodies and placed it in the puja mandaps. The ritual of eye opening was performed on Monday, and the Alati and other initial rituals have been completed.
The city residents are eagerly waiting to celebrate Lakshmi Puja with great pomp and show their love and brotherhood to the goddess who gives fame and prosperity. The puja is not limited to the city only but has spread to various villages of the district, and is becoming a festive event.
Security Arrangements:
To maintain law and order, a massive security deployment has been made, including:
– 3 ADDL SP,- 10 DSP, 22 Inspectors, 110 SI/ASI, 18 Platoon OSAP, 6 Platoon APR, 168 Constables, 35 Havildars, 30 Traffic Constables, 327 Home Guards.
Food Stalls and Entertainment:
The puja festivities also feature food stalls, including Dhenkanal Bara, Cuttack’s Dahibara Aludam, Kendrapara’s Rasabali, Nayagarh’s Chenapoda, and other local delicacies. The 7-day Pallishri Mela will begin at Mahishapat Pallishri Mela Ground from October 8.
