Bhadark: What Laxmipuja is to Dhenkanal and Baliyatra to Cuttack, Kalipuja is to Bhadrak in Odisha. Which is why with just a few days to go, the town has started wearing a look of festivity with idol-making and pandal decoration on in full swing.
Goddess Kali’s idol apart, idol makers are focusing on the side idols (locally known as Baruali) with puja committees vying for top positions in the Baruali stalls and Kalakunja contests that have become a feature of the puja in Bhadrak since the last few years.
The committees send out several messages on various topics relating to superstitions, social evils and bad practices through Baruali stalls. This year Charampa Station Bazaar Puja Committee’s theme revolves round dos and don’ts during railway journey. “Our Baruali stalls will convey messages on various issues relating to railways like not to travel without tickets and to be careful while crossing an unmanned railway level crossing,” informed Secretary Ajay Kumar Parida.
Some others have picked up topics like cyclone ‘Titli’.
While pandal and light decoration work is on at all the puja pandals, the shrines, including the sitting deity of Bhadrak- Maa Bhadra Kali- are also not behind. The Maa Bhadra Kali’s shrine and its vicinity are getting bedecked with colourful festoons and lights.
Bhadrak Kalipuja’s other attraction is the ‘meenabazaar’ for which businessmen from places like Kolkata are putting up their stalls. Apart from a wide range of articles that are put up for sale, circus, magic and other amusement programmes are also a big draw at the ‘meenabazaar’ besides of course the swings and a variety of joyrides. Last but not the least, the food stalls command a large footfall. Opera being the biggest crowd-puller during the mela here, tents for staging these are also being put up.
Last year the administration had not allowed the opera, but with no restrictions in place this year, the organisers are a happy lot.
Bhadrak Kalipuja is important from the cultural and business point of view. As such, the district and police administration and members of puja committees are pulling all stops to make the puja enjoyable, without any hitches. “This year CCTVs are going to be installed at different strategic locations to keep a watch on anti-socials. This apart, special care will be taken for fire safety measures,” informed Bhadrak superintendent of Police (SP) Rakesh Pandit.
This year the celebrations will go on for 9 days — November 6 to 14 — instead of 7 days, informed the Bhadrak Kalipuja Mahasangh adding that it has received permission for the extension from the district administration. The immersion will take place November 16.
A railway employee from south India first started worshipping Maa Kali on the railway station premises near Charampa about a 100 years ago. And that puja has over the years taken the shape of a mass festival here. The puja has been jointly organised by railway staff, Charampa Market Merchant Association and locals at traffic square in the station bazaar area for the past 92 years.
Other pujas like School Bazaar Puja Committee, Nabagrah temple road at Erein, Rajghat bridge, Dagara Sahi, Pathara adi Kalipuja Committee, Kaudia Sangha Kalipuja Committee, PWI Puja Committee are also known for their attractive decorations and efficient management.
This apart, Pathara Kali near station Loco Shed has special significance. Hundreds of devotees throng here as it is believed that Maa fulfils wishes of those who come to the shrine. The uniqueness of Pathara Kali can be seen only during the puja, locals said.
PNN