Dhenkanal, October 26: Dhenkanal city has transformed into a vibrant festive destination as the traditional Maa Lakshmi Puja began on the occasion of Kumar Purnima. The city is illuminated with colourful lights and decorated with attractive arches as devotees gather at puja mandaps to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.

The sound of bells, traditional musical instruments and devotional chants has filled the city with a spiritual atmosphere. Following rituals, priests performed the consecration ceremonies and invoked the Goddess at various mandaps on Sunday evening. Devotees turned up in large numbers for the first darshan of Maa Lakshmi.

This year, the Goddess is being worshipped at 41 mandaps across Dhenkanal. The 10-day festival will continue until November 3, while the collective immersion procession is scheduled for November 4.

Puja committees have made elaborate arrangements, including grand pandals, towering decorative arches and colourful lighting, to attract visitors. Organisers are optimistic about a higher turnout this year, citing the encouraging response from devotees on the opening day.

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Pitabas Sahu, secretary of the Mina Bazar Puja Pratisthan, expressed enthusiasm over the celebrations and the public response.

Meanwhile, local residents have appealed to visitors to enjoy the festivities peacefully and maintain discipline. Some devotees also expressed hope that the arrival of Maa Lakshmi would bring prosperity and well-being.

To ensure smooth celebrations and maintain law and order, 24 platoons of police personnel have been deployed across the city. Police are keeping a close watch on the festival areas to manage crowds and prevent any untoward incidents.

The traditional Maa Lakshmi Puja remains one of Dhenkanal’s major annual celebrations, drawing devotees and visitors from different parts of the district.