Dhenkanal: As the most-awaited festival of the district Lakshmi puja is getting nearer, people of Dhenkanal town are all set to welcome the goddess Lakshmi with utmost religious fervour.
Lakshmi puja in Dhenkanal town has acquired admiration across the state. It may be mentioned here that for the past 76 years, the celebrations have been in place in this time of the year.
Cultural heritage has always been dearer to the people of this town and efforts have begun to obtain recognition of the puja as a state-level festival.
Goddess Lakshmi – Dhan Datri – will be worshipped from October 13 to 24. The district administration had also held a preparatory meeting of puja committees, eminent citizens of Dhenkanal town and district-level officials September 19, in this connection.
On the other hand, conducting the puja peacefully, amidst pomp and grandeur, would be a first time experience for the district Collector, Superintendent of Police and many other senior officials.
According to sources, the district administration discussed more on regulations pertaining to immersion procession of idols in the meeting, rather than on conductance of puja.
It is alleged that the district administration did not even discuss on important matters like repair of roads, sanitation and cleanliness, town electrification arrangement, drinking water facility, traffic management and the price control of essential consumer goods.
Most of the puja committees and intellectuals have expressed their dissatisfaction over the administration focusing more on arrangement of Saras Mela during the Lakshmi puja. The district administration has not done proper homework for the puja preparation which could result in administrative mismanagement, residents said.
PNN