Jajpur, Oct 24: Preparations are in full swing for the famous Gajalaxmi Puja in Mangalpur, Khairabad, in Odisha’s Jajpur district, as residents eagerly await the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. Artisans, puja committee members and villagers are working round the clock to complete the idols, decorative pandals and lighting arrangements ahead of the festival.

Two puja mandaps in Mangalpur will worship Maa Gajalaxmi this year. While idol makers are giving the final touches and colours to the Goddess’s idols, artisans are busy constructing elaborate and attractive pandals. Colourful lighting arrangements are also being made to enhance the festive atmosphere.

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The puja holds a special place in the lives of local residents, with families and relatives returning to the village to take part in the celebrations.

According to local residents, the tradition of Gajalaxmi Puja in Mangalpur dates back more than 200 years. The 11-day festival will feature a meena bazaar, musical programmes, devotional evenings and jatra performances for visitors and devotees.

This year, the organisers are also focusing on cleanliness, environmental protection and peaceful celebrations. The puja committee and villagers have pledged to discourage noise pollution, obscene dance performances and the use of polythene during the festival.

Extensive arrangements have been made to ensure that the celebrations conclude peacefully and smoothly.

The puja is scheduled to begin on October 25, while the immersion procession will take place on November 4. Residents of Mangalpur are eagerly looking forward to welcoming Maa Gajalaxmi and celebrating the longstanding tradition with devotion and enthusiasm.