Gajalakshmi Puja begins across Odisha from today, Dhenkanal lights up with 41 pandals

Advertisement

Bhubaneswar: The Gajalakshmi Puja begins across major towns and districts in Odisha from today that is on October 25, 2026. As per traditional believes, Goddess Lakshmi -the deity of wealth and prosperity descends upon the earth from today. The festival will then continue for seven days till October 31.

Elaborate preparations are underway in Dhenkanal and Kendrapara. The festival is celebrated with much fervour and pomp across Dhenkanal district every year. The festival features elaborate decorations, silver tableaux (chandi medha). This year the Goddess is being worshipped across 41 pandals in the city, which are illuminated with vibrant displays of lights.

Keeping in mind the safety of devotees, security has been tightened with police platoons and officers deployed to manage crowds.

The traditional fabric arches, colorful Meena Bazars (fairs), and the Chandi Medha are serving as the main attraction of the festival at locations like Kaibalya Bazar and Deulasahi.

Advertisement

Similarly, the festival is being celebrated with much fervour in the state capital city Bhubaneswar. An 80-foot-tall, colossal idol of Goddess Lakshmi has been installed in the Patia area of ​​Bhubaneswar.  The celebrations here also feature cultural programs and a small fair, which will continue for seven days.

Gajalakshmi Puja significance

In the form of Gajalakshmi, the Goddess is depicted with an elephant on either side performing an ‘abhisheka’ (ceremonial bathing/anointing). This symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and an abundance of grain. The Goddess is offered with khai (puffed rice), jaggery, bananas, and grated coconut at the pendals.

Meanwhile, the young unmarried women of Odisha are celebrating Kumar Purnima today.

Also Read: Puri: Lord Jagannath to Adorn Suna Besha today, Special Ayudha Puja Rituals Today, Watch

Advertisement