The spirit of puja has now gripped all across Kendrapada district. locals are busy in painting the town with festive colours as lakshmi Puja has begun. It is one of the biggest festivals of the inhabitants.
This year about 67 puja pandals (medahs) have been set up in the length and breadth of the township area. 46 medhas out of 67 will join the mass immersion procession. The puja will be held for nine days, including two days for immersion (November 2 and 3).
last two years, the nature’s fury (cyclones Phailin and Hudhud) had played havoc and dampened the festive spirit among the puja organizers. But this time, the denizens of the township are all on top gear and have made it a point to enjoy the festive occasion to the hilt. Most of the puja committees have decided to organize grand cultural programmes, including Bhajan Samaroha and melodies, to add a dash of excitement.
As the coastal district is a hub of communal tension, police arrangements have been beefed up in order to avoid any untoward incidents, informed SP Nitinjeet Singh.
The district police department has made tight security in order to ensure the puja passes off smoothly. The religious institutions in the district are being guarded. About 16 platoons of police force have been pressed into service, besides one ASP, seven DSPs, nine Inspectors, 92 SIs /ASIs, 12 Havildars, 155 constables and 257 Home Guards who have been deployed in the township area.
Strict excise regulation and traffic arrangements are being followed since Monday night and they will continue till the immersion procession. During the puja period, night patrolling, mobile patrolling, motor cycle patrolling and quick response team are on a round the clock duty. Police have also formed a special squad in order to nab the eve teasers, mischief mongers and anti socials, stated SP Singh.