Dhenkanal, Oct 26: Dhenkanal city has taken on a festive look as the annual Maa Lakshmi Puja celebrations began on the occasion of Kumar Purnima, drawing devotees to elaborately decorated pandals across the city. Colourful illumination, grand entrance arches and devotional music have transformed the streets into a vibrant celebration of faith and tradition.
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The festivities began on Sunday evening, when priests performed consecration rituals and invoked Goddess Lakshmi at various puja mandaps. Large numbers of devotees gathered to catch the first glimpse of the deity and offer prayers for prosperity, happiness and well-being.
This year, Maa Lakshmi is being worshipped at 41 mandaps across Dhenkanal. The 10-day festival will continue until November 3, followed by a collective immersion procession scheduled for November 4.
Grand Pandals and Colourful Decorations Draw Crowds
Puja committees have made elaborate arrangements to welcome devotees, with impressive pandals, towering decorative arches and colourful lighting adding to the festive atmosphere.
The sound of temple bells, traditional musical instruments and devotional chants has further enhanced the spiritual ambience. Organisers say the encouraging response on the opening day has raised expectations of a strong turnout throughout the celebrations.
Pitabas Sahu, secretary of the Mina Bazar Puja Pratisthan, expressed enthusiasm over the festivities and the public response.
For residents, the annual celebration is an important cultural and religious occasion that brings communities together in devotion and celebration.
24 Platoons of Police for Crowd Management
With large crowds expected at the prominent puja venues, the administration has strengthened security arrangements across Dhenkanal. As many as 24 platoons of police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order, regulate crowds and help ensure the celebrations proceed peacefully.
Police personnel are keeping watch over festival areas to prevent untoward incidents and manage the movement of visitors. The deployment is aimed at providing a safe environment for devotees and other visitors throughout the festival.
Residents Appeal for Peaceful Celebrations
Local residents have appealed to visitors to maintain discipline, cooperate with security personnel and enjoy the festivities peacefully. Devotees have also expressed hope that the arrival of Maa Lakshmi will bring prosperity and good fortune to families and the wider community.
The annual Maa Lakshmi Puja is one of Dhenkanal’s major festive events, attracting worshippers and visitors from different parts of the district. With celebrations underway at 41 mandaps, the city is expected to remain a major gathering point for devotees until the conclusion of the festival.
The collective immersion procession on November 4 will mark the culmination of this year’s celebrations.
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