Bhubaneswar: Dhenkanal and Kendrapara districts are abuzz with activities with the commencement of Gajalaxmi Puja today.
As per reports, Kumar Purnima marks the beginning of the Gajalaxmi puja which continues for 11 days in Dhenkanal and seven days in Kendrapara.
The decorations at the puja pandals in Dhenkanal and Kendrapara districts have reached their final stage, with only a few hours left before the worship of Goddess Laxmi.
Puja committees at Meena Bazaar, Ganesh Bazaar, Lakshmi Bazaar, Kaibalya Bazaar and Gudia Nali in Dhenkanal district have come up with silver tableaux, known as ‘chandi medha’.
The district administration in Kendrapara and Dhenkanal districts seems to have left no stone unturned to make the puja a smooth affair. With the festival kicking off today, the district administrations are working tirelessly to make this 11-day extravaganza memorable. The administrations have taken several measures to ward off untoward incidents during the festivity.
In Dhenkanal, a total of 38 puja pandals have been set up to worship the Goddess, the revered deity of wealth and prosperity.
On the other hand, Kendrapara has come up with 68 pandals this year, according to sources.
The atmosphere has become electric. Streets are adorned with colourful lights, while the air resonates with the sounds of devotional songs and the enticing aromas of traditional delicacies. Cultural performances and community gatherings foster a spirit of unity, as people cutting across the castes and creeds come together to celebrate the festival with fanfare.