Harihat Held at Lakshmi Bazaar Today, Over 500 Travelers Received Prasad
Kakatpur, 30/10:
Lakshmi Bazaar, known as a leading business hub in Kakatpur market, held the worship of Maa Dhanalakshmi after a gap of 20 years, bringing great joy to all its members. The local youth entrepreneurs took the initiative to organize and beautify the event with unity and dedication. Alongside the worship of Maa Dhanalakshmi, various cultural programs have been running since the first day of the celebration.
Some enthusiastic young entrepreneurs invited the underprivileged and fellow market committee members to the puja mandap and served them prasad consisting of traditional dishes like arua arna (boiled rice), dalma (dal and vegetables), khatta (tangy curry), and khiri (rice pudding). Even travelers passing by were warmly invited by the organizers—Prasanna Kumar Nayak along with his devoted wife, Sudhanshu Bhushan Dixit, Shyam Sundar Rana, Pikula Nayak, Ajay Kumar Nayak, Himanshu Bhushan Dixit, Saroj Kumar Samal, Shubhranshu Bhushan Dixit, Nanda Kumar Sahoo, Nrusingha Charan Nayak, Pavitra Mohan Dixit, Santosh Kumar Nayak, and others—to partake in the prasad at the mandap.
Chairperson Ratikanta Behera of Lakshmi Bazaar said:
“In previous years, puja celebrations were halted. But now, by worshiping Maa Dhanalakshmi, we are feeling overjoyed.”
Editor Himanshu Bhushan Dixit stated:
“We are reviving our Odia tradition and have brought new life into the identity of our market. We hope for everyone’s continued support and participation in the puja.”
Smrutikanta Dixit, a committee member, added:
“In neighboring markets, Ganesh Puja has been celebrated for over 40 years. I always had a hope in my heart for a puja in our market too. Today, that dream has come true.”
A passerby commented:
“This market used to be one of the oldest. Over time, it has grown in size. Even back then, there were old shopkeepers here, and pujas were celebrated. Seeing today’s Lakshmi Bazaar puja reminds me of those early organizers. If this tradition continues, Odia culture, values, and communal harmony will be preserved.”
