Mahalakshmi, believed to be the goddess of fortune and prosperity, is worshipped since ancient ages as the daughter of the richest person in universe lord Kubera and wife the almighty lord Bishnu.
According to a myth, laxmipuja is being celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Aswina as the lady God got maturity on that day. Besides, Kumar Purnima is also considered as another pious occasion as Kumar Kartikeya, son of lord Siva, took birth on that day. Kartikeya is the handsome youth of the universe and was appointed as the commander of Debatas as the brave warrior.
Damsels observe ‘Janhiosha’ for one month for marrying a brave and handsome youth like Kartikeya. Many also claim ladies observe ‘Janhiosha’ wishing welfare of their brothers. However, lakshmi Puja is being observed in Odisha since unknown days.
The royal family first started worshipping the golden idol of Mahalakshmi at their palace in Dhenkanal. But, during the year 1923, two artist friends Braja Kishore Pattnaik and Gati Krushna Pattnaik, initiated the first lakshmi Puja Mandap at Panjia Sahi, presently known as Mahavir Bazar, which was open for all called as Sarba Janina Puja. The pandal was erected on green leafs and was lighted by Petrolmax and day lights, as available those days. After a two-year conflict between the two friends, another laxmi Puja Mandap at Meena Bazar, known as Uppargarh Medha, came up. Gradually Ramji Jagjivan, Mahadev Ram, B Samal, Kunja Sahu, labanya Sahu, Bira Sahu and Bhaniram from business community promoted the lakshmi Puja at laxmi Bazar, Ganesh Bazar, Anand Bazar, and Karigar Sahi and observed the mela for seven days in a bid to promote their business.
The lakshmi Puja in Dhenkanal was closed after 12 years due at the height of the Prajamandal movement. However it was restarted in the year 1942 and is continuing till now. Meanwhile, the number of Puja Pandals has increased to 39.
This year the Pallishree Male is to be shifted to the proposed bus stand at Mahisapat as the SAI Sports Hostel is under construction.
Moreover, noted cine artist Mahasweta Roy is to be felicitated with Bahan Samrat Bhikari Bala Samman this year during 31st Nataj Kumarotsav to be held on October 15 and 16 jointly organsied by the Nataraj Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, the District Council of Culture and the Dhenkanal Journalists Association.