The festive fervour, which had worn off due to continuous rain for a couple of days for cyclone Hudhud, again gripped the district headquarters town here since Monday as the famous lakshmi Puja is underway.
The puja had started with celebration of Kumarotsav at the Mini Stadium on October 7 and 8 and opening of Pallishree Mela from October 9. All 38 Puja Mandaps in the city had vied with one another to make their pandals attractive. The entire Dhenkanal town from Baladiabandh to Korihan and Jubuli Town to Similia was dazzling with light and colour. But the downpour from Friday to Sunday marred the festive spirit. The 258 self help groups from Punjab, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir, including from the 30 districts of Odisha, had opened their stalls in the Pallishreemela. Scores of roadside vendors had also showcased their wares in makeshift shops. Swings had also been put up. But the Hudhud induced rain had thrown cold water on all the pomp and show. The fear of the cyclone had forced people to stay indoors. However, a change around took place after the rain stopped and there were sunny days. It brought back smiles in the face of the pandal hoppers as well as the businessmen.
Sources said the Dhenkanal lakshmi Puja was started in 1923. It was first held at Panjia Sahi, presently known as Mahabir Bazar. After continuing it for a few years, it stopped the show. But again the lakshmi Puja was started in 1943 and its popularity steadily gained momentum with the result that it was never stopped again. Initially while only 16 to 17 Puja Mandaps were organized, presently the number rose to 38. Ratna Bazar is organizing cultural shows every night as this is its Golden Jubilee. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is expected to grace the occasion of Thursday. The immersion festival is scheduled to be held on October 18, while the Pallishree mela will be closed a day before.