The small town of Jatni wore a bridal look with the arrival of Lord Ganesh. The incessant rain and the inflation could not dampen the spirit of Ganesh puja here.
One among the few places across the country where ‘Bappa’ is worshipped for 11 days, thousands of people thronged the streets on Monday.
The celebration, popularly appreciated in every circle here, goes with enjoyment and gaiety. The history of Ganesh puja here dates back to more than a century, when one Dinabandhu Sahoo, a small time shop owner, placed a clay idol of the Lord and began the trend of community celebration. The grandeur of the festival increased with the passage of time. This year, around 50 Ganesh pandals have come up at important market places while more than 200 small idols were worshipped at private places.
Though not at par with Mumbai, the Ganesh puja is celebrated here on a massive scale compared to other towns and cities. The special feature of the festival includes 60-70 feet high gate and 16 feet high Ganesh idols. These are built by experienced artisans from Kolkata and Cuttack.
Massive idols of Lord Ganesh have been put up at Harivaina Chhak, Mahulgudia Chhak, Thana Chhak, Sitaram Chhak, Raja Bazaar, Golei Market, Bada Bazaar, Fish Market, Hata Bazaar, Kudiary Bazaar, Hospital square, Malgodown Square, Retang Colony, Loco Colony, Station Square, Accounts Colony and Traffic Colony.
Added to the festive mood, it is also the time to earn a fast buck for the artistes of opera and pala groups who come to the town during this time and are on high demand.
Of over 50 puja pandals, Golei Market, Malgodown Square, Kudiary Bazaar, Raja Bazaar and Sitaram Chhak attracted maximum crowd for their colourful lighting decoration, majestic pandals, gorgeously decorated Ganesh idols and best gate-way to the pandal.
Away from the din is Haribhaina Chhak pandal which has maintained its 51-year-old tradition. They celebrated puja with a big idol of Lord Ganesh sans any attractive gate. The idols will be immersed on Purnima.
Meanwhile, the police have made adequate security arrangements for peaceful celebration.