Dhenkanal: The city is buzzing with activity as Dhenkanal prepares for its famous Gajalakshmi Puja, beginning today on the holy occasion of Kumar Purnima. Celebrated since 1923, the festival symbolises culture, heritage and brotherhood, with people irrespective of caste, religion and colour joining the worship of Goddess Gajalakshmi with joy and enthusiasm.
This year, the Puja will start from October 25 and continue for 10 days, with immersion scheduled on November 4. Goddess Gajalakshmi will be invoked at 41 puja mandaps across the city. Mandap decoration, idol making and arch construction have reached the final stage.
Preparations have been completed with coordination between Hindu and Muslim brothers, market committee and district administration to make the festival attractive and orderly. Artisans are giving final touches to clay idols based on mythological themes. The invocation will begin from Mahendrabela after 7 pm today and continue till late night.
Various arches based on crafts and art cultures from India and abroad have been erected in front of mandaps and market areas. Traders from inside and outside the state have arrived, and cultural programmes are also being organised by different puja committees.
Diamond Jubilee CelebrationsAs Lakshmi Puja completes 75 years this year, extensive preparations are underway by the joint bazaar puja committee to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee. The Chief Minister and Culture Minister have been invited for the festival.
The district administration has made extensive arrangements for law and order, fire safety and healthcare. As many as 24 platoons of police force have been deployed. A special route map has been issued for traffic management, with entry of heavy vehicles into the city banned and parking arrangements made at 11 places. Eight sensitive areas have been declared no-parking zones with penalty provisions.
The festival will be managed under direct supervision of District Magistrate Ashish Iswar Patil and SP. A Pallishri Mela showcasing district, state and foreign arts and crafts is also being organised during the Puja period.
