JHARSUGUDA: The 10-day-long Ganesh puja began with religious fervour and gaiety across the district on Monday. More than 50 puja pandals with different themes were erected in Jharsuguda, Brajrajnagar, Belpahar, Bandhbahal and Banharpali.
While Jharsuguda’s ‘Friend’s Club Puja Committee’ in Marwaripara took up the vibrant puppetry theme of Rajasthan in their pandal, Brajrajnagar’s Yuva Sangam Club installed a 11.5 feet tall idol of Lord Ganesh to celebrate the festival.
Thousands of devotees from different parts of the district visited the pandals. A huge crowd was also witnessed at the pandal gate of Thana Chowk in Jharsuguda which was erected in the shape of ‘Lalbagh Raj Palace’. Besides, various competitions were organised for the denizens. Elaborate arrangements were made by the different Puja Committees to make the puja more attractive. Lighting arrangements and innovative idols of Lord Ganesh were the major attractions.