Bhubaneswar: Ahead of Mahashivratri, the Lingaraj Temple in the Odisha capital is being decked up with 20 varieties of flowers worth Rs 15 lakh.
Around 140 workers were seen decorating the 11th century shrine with marigold, chrysanthemums, orchids, carnation and anthonium, among others, on Thursday.
However, this is not the first time that the temple is being embellished with blooms on the occasion. “We have been decorating the shrine for the last four years. This year, however, it is going to be a grand affair,” said a supervisor.
The Bhog Mandap, gates and every small shrine in the temple will be decorated, he added.
The work, which began on February 18, is expected to be completed by tonight.
Additional Police Commissioner Anup Sahoo told the media that the number of devotees is likely to go up this year following the beautification and decongestion drive in and around the shrine under the state government’s ambitious Ekamra Kshetra project.
“For smooth conduct of the festival, 30 platoons of police force will be deployed along with 100 officers. We will also be putting in place a new crowd management plan,” he added.
Also Read: Know The Arrangements For Mahashivratri At Lingaraj Temple In Bhubaneswar
The ‘Mahadeepa’ will be lifted atop the temple by 10 pm on Friday (February 21).
