Silver jewellery bedecked Gajalaxmi and extensive entertainment programme to allure devotees on this year’s Gajalaxmi Puja
BHUBANESWAR: Continuing the festive season, the state celebrates Gajalaxmi Puja today where Goddess Laxmi –the Goddess of wealth is worshipped. The puja incepts on Kumar Purnima, which is the full-moon day (Sharad Purnima) on the Odia month of Aswina (Sept-Oct).
Gajalaxmi Puja is an important festival in Odisha. It is celebrated across every length and breadth of the state; from Rourkela to Bhubaneswar. However, in Dhenkanal it is an 11-day celebration.
This time around, the pandals in the capital city are buzzing with last minute activities as artisans were busy giving final-minute touches to idols. Nayapalli Yuva Parishad, is organising a seven-day event while Sahidnagar Gajalaxmi Puja committee is leaving no stone unturned to captivate the devotees’ attention.
Several programmes like musical nights, dance competitions and cultural events are being organised. This year, Steel city Rourkela is coming up with 85 pandals, while Bhubaneswar is geared up to welcome Maa Gajalaxmi with 70 pandals.
Sahidnagar Puja committee member Binay Hota said, “There are more than Meena Bazaar and Mela in Sahidnagar this year. Our idol maker Babu is giving last touches to the idol with chemical free colours. A tight security has been organised so that devotees can peacefully enjoy the Puja and Sahidnagar Gajalaxmi club will take the lead in Bhasani (immersion) on October 20.”
Nikhil Balabantaray of Nayapalli Yuva Parishad said that this year the decorations are spectacular as the Godess will be adorned with 2 kg of silver jewellery and around Rs 12 lakh have already being spent on Puja preparations.
Eminent bhajan singers are slated to perform at Bapuji Nagar, Sahid Nagar and at Nayapalli Puja.
CCTVs have been installed and barricades are being made for a hassle-free darshan by devotees. Places like Barang, Mancheswar, VSS Nagar, Idco colony, Pandra, Gadhakana, Barang, Balianta market are also observing colourful Gajalaxmi Puja this year. Several Bollywood singers have also being invited for a colourful melody show at BJB and Sahidnagar Puja area.