Festive spirit grips Odisha for Lakshmi Puja

Bhubaneswar: After Durga Puja, festive fervour has once again gripped the people of Odisha with the beginning of 11-day Gajalakshmi Puja across the State. Particularly, districts like Dhenkanal and Kendrapara celebrate the festival with much fanfare.

In Dhenkanal, total 39 pandals have been erected for the Puja. The festival will begin with Chakhyudaan rituals this evening. Several Puja committees along with district administration and police official have made elaborate  arrangements for smooth conduct of the Puja.

Besides, theme-based gates and colourful lights have come up in places like Laxmi Bazaar, Mahaveer Bazaar, Bazi Chowk and Deula Sahi in Dhenkanal. The Chandi Medha (silver tableaux) of Ganesh Bazaar Puja committee constructed at a cost of around Rs 1.20 crore has been the main attraction in the town.

In view of the rush, 18 platoons of police force have been deployed in and around the town. Besides, CCTVs have been installed at major places to keep an eye on the anti-socials.

The festival is also being observed in Kendrapara town and nearby areas with religious fervour. Goddess Lakshmi is being worshiped at several Puja pandals erected at Badahat, Santasahi, Ichhapur, Tinimuhani and Balagandi.