Interview Times 
The famous Gajalaxmi Puja of Dhenkanal will begin tomorrow and with only one day left for the grand festival, preparations are in full swing across the town. Almost all the puja committees are working tirelessly to make their pandals the best.
In Dhenkanal, Goddess Gajalaxmi is worshipped in 38 puja pandals. Traditionally, the celebration begins on Kumar Purnima and continues for 11 days, but this year the festivities will last for nine days.
Adding to the excitement, the State Government has decided to extend a financial assistance of Rupees 50,000 to each puja committee.
While artisans are busy giving the final touches on the idols and decorating the pandals and gates, local markets have already started buzzing with festive hustle and bustle.
Sushant Sahoo, a local resident, said, “We are very excited for our famous Gajalaxmi Puja, which will begin on October 6. This year, the Kanchan Bazaar Puja Committee is celebrating its 75th Platinum Jubilee and introducing a new Silver Tableau (Chandi Medha).”
Every year, tens of thousands of devotees throng Dhenkanal during Gajalaxmi Puja, and extensive preparations are being made to ensure smooth celebrations. Adequate police deployment and proper traffic arrangements have been planned for crowd management.
Huge decorative and theme-based pandals, attractive gates, and dazzling light decorations are the main attractions of the festival. Artisans from across Odisha and neighboring states are working round the clock to give the pandals a magnificent look.
Biswanath Behera, Past President of Militi Bazaar Puja Committee and Advisor of Ganesh Bazaar Puja Committee said, ” We thank our honourable Chief Minister and others for providing financial assistance to the puja committees this year.”
This year, the puja will start from October 6 and continue till October 14. The visarjan is scheduled on October 15.
