Dhenkanal's Century-Old Gajalaxmi Puja: A Grand Celebration
The Gajalaxmi Puja celebrations in Dhenkanal boast an almost century-old tradition.
Historians note that Gajalakshmi Puja in the district began in 1923, initiated by the late Brajakishore Pattnaik, Natabar Debata, Gatikrushna Pattnaik, and a few others at Ganesh Bazaar, formerly known as Kunja Sahoo Chhak. The celebration was discontinued for several years before being revived in 1943 at Meena Bazaar (then called Majhigarh) by Natabar Debata, Sanatan Sahoo, and other local residents.
Every year, the festivities are a spectacular affair, focusing on the worship of Goddess Laxmi for a continuous period of 11 days. The spiritual observance begins on the auspicious day of Kumar Purnima.
The reverence culminates in the Visarjan Utsav, which is marked by a huge street carnival that follows the immersion ceremony of the Goddess. The celebration is not just a religious event but a grand, cultural spectacle deeply woven into the identity of the town.
Rich Traditions Behind the “Chandi Medhas” (Silver Tableaus) of Dhenkanal During Gajalaxmi Puja
According to historians, the tradition of the “Chandi Medha”—a silver tableau—began in 1959 with the Maudamani Rajalakshmi Puja Pratishthan at Meenabazar in Dhenkanal. However, the original silver tableau was stolen in 1976. In response, a new Chandi Medha was crafted in 2004, using 160 kg of silver.
The Meenabazar “Chandi Medha” holds the distinction of being the first in Dhenkanal and the second oldest in Odisha, after the famous Chaudhury Bazar Durga Medha in Cuttack.
Over the years, the popularity of the Chandi Medhas in Dhenkanal has grown significantly. Following Meenabazar, several more silver tableaus have been added across the town:
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In 2016, Kaibalya Bazaar, located near the Siddha Balaram Temple, introduced a Chandi Medha weighing 140 kg.
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The third Chandi Medha was established in 2018 at the Gudianali Puja Pandal, crafted from 125 kg of silver.
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In the same year, Ganesh Bazaar—the largest market in Dhenkanal—unveiled the heaviest Chandi Medha in the state, made with a massive 350 kg of silver.
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The fifth silver tableau appeared at Lakshmi Bazaar in 2022, weighing 150 kg.
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Most recently, Jubilee Town-II, at the Deulshahi Puja Mandap, introduced a beautifully crafted Chandi Medha weighing 70 kg.
These silver tableaus reflect not only the rich cultural heritage of Dhenkanal but also the community’s devotion and artistic expression, making the town a vibrant part of Odisha’s festive landscape.