Jajpur: After a break of two years due to COVID pandemic, Odisha’s Jajpur is all geared up to celebrate Kali Puja with public participation from Monday.
One of the Shakti Peethas in the state, Jajpur is known for grand celebration of Kali Puja for a long time. Like Dussehra in Cuttack, Goddess Kali is worshipped in majestic pandals decorated in all grandeurs.
All preparations are in final stages at 45 pandals where community puja will be celebrated in the town this year. Of these pandals, 11 will have silver tableaus while be decorate with golden tableaus.
In a competition for erecting attractive pandals, the puja committees have hired skilled artists from across the state and outside for idol-making as well as decorations. Massive archades and welcome gates decorated with festoons, colourful lights and other decorative materials have been erected across the town.
The puja committees have also drawn up several entertainment programmes during the celebration at their respective pandals. Besides musical nights, Meena Bazaar, food courts and other entertaining activities have been lined up for the visitors.
Considering heavy footfall at the pandals, the district administration has also made adequate security arrangements to prevent any law and order situation. “We have held several rounds of meetings with the puja committees to ensure peaceful celebration. They have been issued SOP for management of crowd and keeping the celebration incident-free,” said Jajpur district collector Chakrabarty Singh Rathor.
He further said the administration has also stressed on following clean and hygienic celebration. “We have announced an award of Rs 10,000 for the puja committee which will be adjudged to have the best pandal in keeping its environment clean and hygienic,” he added.
