The historic town of Dhenkanal has officially stepped into celebration mode as the world-renowned Gajalaxmi Puja festival marks its 83rd anniversary.
Illuminated by miles of colorful light displays, the entire town has come alive to welcome Goddess Laxmi for a 10-day extravaganza filled with devotion, culture, and festivities.
This year, Goddess Gajalaxmi is being worshipped across 41 vibrant puja mandaps throughout the town. Following age-old rituals, priest incantations and sacred Vedic chants echoed through the decorated pandals on Sunday evening as the traditional rituals began. The festival will culminate on November 4 with the grand joint immersion ceremony (Milit Bhasani).
Grand Preparations and Favorable Weather
The city expects millions of visitors and devotees from across Odisha and neighboring states. Local businesses, joyrides, circuses, and street vendors have set up elaborate stalls to entertain the incoming crowds. With favorable weather conditions and early preparations, organizers anticipate record-breaking turnouts this year. Puja committee members have issued a warm invitation to devotees to visit the uniquely themed pandals and join the celebrations.
Heavy Security Deployment to Ensure Order
To manage the heavy inflow of visitors and maintain law and order, the Dhenkanal District Police administration has rolled out a comprehensive security plan:
- Force Deployment: A total of 24 platoons of police force are deployed across the town under the supervision of 2 Additional SPs, 10 DSPs, and 107 police officers.
- Traffic Control: The entire market area has been declared a vehicle-free zone with a strict one-way traffic system put in place.
- Sector Management: Dhenkanal city has been divided into 6 security sectors for seamless monitoring.
- Surveillance: Plainclothes police personnel and drone cameras will actively monitor crowd movement and curb anti-social activities.
With the chanting of Laxmi Stotram echoing through the streets and brilliant light arches dressing every corner, Dhenkanal stands ready for 10 days of unparalleled festive joy.
