Heritage enthusiasts explore rich traditions at Dhenkanal's Gajalaxmi Puja

Bhubaneswar, Oct 21: Nearly 50 heritage enthusiasts, including students from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) and Dhenkanal Autonomous College, gathered at the Gajalaxmi Puja pandals to delve into the rich traditions associated with the “Chandi Medhas” or silver tableaus.

The event was led by Prof. Suresh Prasad Mishra, convener of Dhenkanal Heritage Walks (DHW), as part of the 18th episode of their heritage trail. Senior members from DHW and other heritage groups joined the exploration. Historians trace the origins of the “Chandi Medha” back to 1959 with the Maudamani Rajalakshmi Puja Pratishthan at Meenabazar. After its theft in 1976, a new tableau was created using 160 kg of silver in 2004, making it the second oldest in Odisha, following the Cuttack Chaudhury Bazar Durga Medha.

As the appeal for “Chandi Medhas” grew, several others emerged in the area. The Kaibalya Bazaar introduced a 140 kg tableau in 2016, followed by the Gudianali Puja pandal's 125 kg tableau in 2018, and Ganesh Bazaar showcased the heaviest in the state that same year, weighing 350 kg. A 150 kg “Chandi Medha” was introduced at Lakshmi Bazaar in 2022, and this year, Jubilee Town-II unveiled a beautiful 70 kg version.

The march began at Gudianali, continuing to Kaibalya Bazar, Jubilee Town II, Ganesh Bazar, Laxmi Bazar, and finally Meena Bazar, with each Puja committee warmly welcoming the participants and sharing the history of their respective “Chandi Medhas.”

The Dhenkanal Gajalakshmi Puja radiates a unique charm, transforming the 6-km stretch from College Bypass to Korian Bypass into a vibrant celebration adorned with stunning gates and dazzling lights. Over 11 days, the town buzzes with activity as various puja pandals display idols of Goddess Lakshmi, creating an emotional atmosphere filled with devotion. This year, 36 pandals are offering prayers, attracting thousands of pilgrims from across the district and beyond. The ambiance is further enriched by the chanting of Vedic mantras by priests in countless small and large businesses and puja pandals.

Among the attendees were esteemed educationists Dr. Bhawani Shankar Mishra, Dr. Mrinal Chatterjee, Dhenkanal Journalists Association President Prasanna Kumar Patnaik, and senior members from Cuttack Heritage Walks, including Bishwaranjan Dehuri.