Kendrapara, 27th Sept 2025: This year, for the first time, the Odisha State Government announced financial assistance for Gajalakshmi Puja mandaps in Dhenkanal district. However, Kendrapara, which has an equally rich and grand tradition of Laxmi Puja, was not included in the beneficiary list, sparking widespread dissatisfaction among puja committee members and the general public in the district.
Many organizers are preparing to approach the administration to express their objection over this exclusion.
Kendrapara’s Centuries-Old Laxmi Puja Ignored
Just like in Dhenkanal, Laxmi Puja is a major public festival in Kendrapara. From the town to rural areas, hundreds of pandals are erected to celebrate the Goddess of wealth, Laxmi, over an entire week in a deeply devotional atmosphere. The final days include colorful immersion and procession events, celebrated with grandeur.
Despite this, the government’s announcement only mentions financial assistance to Dhenkanal, excluding Kendrapara entirely. This has led to strong reactions among local puja organizers, some of whom are now planning to meet the District Collector and lodge a formal protest.
Kendrapara’s Gajalakshmi Tradition as Grand as Dhenkanal’s
The history of Gajalakshmi Puja in Kendrapara spans over 100 years. Not only in Kendrapara town but also in places like Derabish block, celebrations are held in an elaborate and grand manner. Much like Cuttack’s famous Durga Puja, Kendrapara’s Gajalakshmi Puja holds state-wide fame.
Earlier this year, the Odisha government had announced assistance for Durga Puja mandaps that are over 50 years old. Extending this, the government announced ₹50,000 aid to 38 Laxmi Puja mandaps—but only in Dhenkanal. This selective support has created concern and discontent across various groups.
Historic Kendrapara Mandaps Deserve Support
Some of Kendrapara’s oldest mandaps include:
Thaanpati Club, now celebrating its 99th year
Mangala Puja Committee, operating for over 90 years
Balagandi Maa Laxmi, Maa Bimbalaai, Khadianga Puja Committee, Santasahi Byas Sarobar, Morial Ganga Bhagirathi, Bada Hat Gaja Uddharan, Bada Hat Mahaveer Club, Keshpur Maa Laxmi Puja Committee, among others—most of them over 50–70 years old
Originally, the Gajalakshmi Melana (congregation) tradition in Kendrapara started with Bus Stand, New Bus Stand, and Kakat Mangala Mandaps, and now features 48 main mandaps. Including the surrounding areas, more than 150 pandals celebrate the festival.
However, government records show only 68 mandaps in the town are officially registered.
Citizens Demand Equality
What’s troubling people the most is this:
If Dhenkanal mandaps receive aid, why not Kendrapara’s, which are just as old and significant?
Yugal Behera, President of the Central Puja Committee organizing the Melana, stated:
> “Just like Dhenkanal, Kendrapara has a century-old tradition of Laxmi Puja. If old mandaps are eligible for support, ours certainly qualify. The government turning a blind eye to Kendrapara is unacceptable. We will inform the administration about this issue.”
MLA Ganeshwar Behera Writes to the Culture Minister
Due to the widespread public dissatisfaction over the exclusion of Kendrapara’s Laxmi Puja mandaps from government assistance, local MLA Ganeshwar Behera has written a letter to the State Culture Minister.
In his letter, he acknowledged that granting ₹50,000 to Dhenkanal’s Laxmi mandaps was a commendable step, but pointed out that Kendrapara’s Laxmi Puja is also celebrated with equal grandeur. The festival is observed with two days of processions and immersion ceremonies and is one of the biggest public festivals in the district.
He highlighted the 100-year-old tradition of Gajalakshmi Puja in Kendrapara and urged the Minister to ensure similar financial support for Kendrapara mandaps as was provided in Dhenkanal.