DHENKANAL: There will be no DJs or high-pitched sound systems at this year’s Laxmi Puja in Dhenkanal.
The district administration has decided to adopt zero tolerance to any kind of noise pollution or indiscipline during the festival that attracts lakhs of visitors.
At a preparatory meeting this week, chaired by Collector Rupa Roshan Sahu, the Puja committee members, police officials and the district administration authorities raised concern over the high-pitched sound released by music systems and sought a ban.
It was also decided that all the bamboo gates erected by the puja committees will not be beyond 18 feet high and 16 ft width on safety grounds. This year, Laxmi Puja will be celebrated from October 7 and go on till October 18 and at least 38 ornate pandals would come up. The number of decorative gates, however, would be limited this time.
Decisions were taken regarding sanitation, lighting, crime control, road repairs and traffic management at the meeting. The Collector asked officials of all line departments to finish road repair, water and sanitation works before the puja.
Municipality Chairman, Indramani Behera said all the civic works are being taken up on a war footing.
Pallishree Mela
The national level nine-day Pallishree Mela will be held on the sidelines of the Laxmi Puja in Dhenkanal from October 9.
Organised by Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) and the district administration, the fair will have more than 200 stalls will opened with artisans from as many as 12 States showcasing their products at the Mela.
Forty stalls will be earmarked for handlooms and locally made products. A large number of women self help groups (SHGs) from many districts of the State will also participate in the fair.
Chief Executive of District Supply and Marketing Society, a unit of ORMAS, Nigam Chanran Dash said last year, products worth `2.46 crore were sold in the Pallishree Mela.