Mangalpur, Jajpur, Oct 24: A wave of religious fervour is sweeping through Mangalpur village in the Khairabad area of Odisha’s Jajpur district as residents prepare for the annual Gajalaxmi Puja, a celebration rooted in more than two centuries of tradition.

 Representational Image 

With the festival set to begin on October 25, artisans, organisers and villagers are working tirelessly to complete the Goddess Lakshmi idols, decorative pandals and colourful illumination arrangements. The 11-day celebration is expected to bring together devotees, visitors and families returning to their ancestral village to participate in the festivities.

Two Puja Mandaps to Welcome Goddess Gajalaxmi

Two puja mandaps in Mangalpur will worship Maa Gajalaxmi this year. Idol makers are putting the finishing touches on the Goddess’s images, carefully applying colours and completing the decorative details, while artisans are busy constructing elaborate pandals.

Vibrant lighting arrangements are also being installed to enhance the festive atmosphere and lend a distinctive appearance to the village after dark.

For local residents, the puja is more than an annual religious event. It is a longstanding community tradition that brings together generations of families, strengthens social bonds and reinforces the village’s cultural identity.

A Legacy Spanning More Than 200 Years

According to villagers, the Gajalaxmi Puja tradition in Mangalpur dates back more than 200 years. Over generations, the celebration has become an important part of the community’s religious and cultural life.

This year’s 11-day festival will feature a range of attractions, including a meena bazaar, musical programmes, devotional evenings and traditional jatra performances.

The events are expected to provide entertainment for visitors while preserving the festive customs associated with the annual worship of Goddess Lakshmi.

The return of family members and relatives for the occasion further adds to the sense of reunion, with the village preparing to welcome devotees and guests throughout the celebrations.

Organisers Emphasise Cleanliness and Eco-Friendly Celebrations

Alongside the religious preparations, organisers and villagers are placing special emphasis on maintaining a clean environment and ensuring peaceful celebrations.

The puja committee has pledged to discourage noise pollution, obscene dance performances and the use of polythene during the festival. These measures reflect an effort to preserve the sanctity of the occasion while encouraging more responsible celebration practices.

Organisers are also making arrangements to ensure that the festivities proceed smoothly throughout the 11-day period.

Puja Begins October 25; Immersion on November 4

The Gajalaxmi Puja is scheduled to commence on October 25, with the immersion procession planned for November 4.

As preparations near completion, residents are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Maa Gajalaxmi, hoping to celebrate the occasion with devotion, enthusiasm and a strong sense of community participation.

For Mangalpur, the annual festival remains a living link to its history. As the village prepares to observe the centuries-old tradition once again, the celebrations will bring together faith, cultural performances and community spirit in honour of Goddess Lakshmi.