The entire Dhenkanal township beginning from Baladiabandh to Koirhan Chhak and from Mahisapat to Similia is dazzling with colourful gates and lights, giving a heavenly look as 38 Puja Mandaps have been put up in the ongoing lakshmi Puja.
Even though the Pallishree Mela was shifted from the stadium ground to a newly located exhibition ground at Mahisapat since last year, still the footfalls are high due to good weather. It is difficult for a common man to walk comfortably on the road from 6 pm to 11 pm to view the Puja Mandaps, given the heavy turnout of people.
Village artisans of various States though have displayed their products at 251 stalls in the Pallishree Mela ground, but a variety of swings and scores of junk food stalls at the roadside have been special attractions for the people.
Though the Dhenkanal SP has issued vehicles pass for scribes, but it is difficult to move in a two wheeler even during day time, as the 35 feet wide road is crowded with the Puja Mandaps, makeshift shops and roadside eateries.
The lakshmi Puja started since October 5 in the town on the occasion of Kumar Purnima and will conclude till October 15. The immersion festival will be held on October 16. Meanwhile, the Natraj Sangeet Mahavidyalaya and the District Council of Culture jointly organised the Kumarotsav festival for two days at the Mini Stadium ground. The Bus Stand lakshmi Puja Committee celebrated the Golden Jubilee festival this year.