The quaint towns of Dhenkanal and Kendrapara are gearing up to welcome the Goddess of wealth, and prosperity with great pomp and show on Gajalaxmi Puja tomorrow.
While idol makers are giving finishing touches to the Laxmi idols, mandaps have decked up with huge tableaus, gigantic gates, and decorative lights for the 11-day extravaganza in Dhenkanal.
Kendrapara town has also geared up for the GajaLaxmi Puja on Saturday. Many pandals have come up at Duhuria, Tini Muhani, Law College Chhak, New bus stand, old bus stand, Kakata, Madhiala, Shanti Sahi, and many other places in the town.
While the puja will last for 11 days in Dhenkanal, it will be observed for seven days in Kendrapara.
Speaking about the puja, a member of the Sadbhavana Club in Kendrapara said, “We will try to complete the puja earlier in the day as there is a lunar eclipse in the evening. I welcome all the devotees and visitors to Kendrapara to see the puja and take blessings of the Goddess.”
Gajalaxmi Puja traces its origin to Kumar Purnima which is also observed on this day - the last day of Ashwina month, marking the beginning of Kartika as per the Odia calendar. Kumar Purnima is mostly dedicated to all unmarried girls.