These days the Government has restricted mass celebrations and pujas due to the fear of Covid-19 infection. But even during this time, the Puja committees are involved in forcible collection of ‘chanda.’ In Dhenkanal headquarters town, Laxmi Puja is celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety and the town has a name for the fest.

The worshipping of earthen idols of Goddess Durga, Goddess Mahalaxmi and Goddess Kali at public places were started in Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Bhadrakh and Kendrapada long ago. It all started with the initiative of a few progressive minded persons from business community and subsequently, it assumed the shape of mass festivals with involvement of people from all shades and variety. Apart from traders, common people irrespective religion, class and creed participated suo motto with the organisers to celebrate the festivals in a better way. Contributions from members, business people and local residents were collected the make the pujas bigger.

In Dhenkanal, the unique Laxmiu Puja is celebrated by various bazaars and puja committees. Even though not registered bodies, these committees have some self declared office bearers who behave in an autocratic manner. These committee members decide the subscriptions to be made by individuals, traders, make shift shops, dollas, zoo, junk food sellers and also the exhibitor of acrobatics, including the ‘Maut ki Kuan’.

Even they do not fear police or administrative system while virtually extorting the people. Curiously, the district administration invites the puja committee members for discussion for peaceful celebration of the festival and immersion of idols. However, as it is not mandatory for audit of puja funds, the committees spend the money the way they like. Earlier the festival organisers were arranging opera shows, palla, daskathia for the puja revellers at night. Presently they spend in lakhs for golden medha, silver medha, melody, dances and also for consuming meat and liquor. Recently a puja committee did not allow a builder to construct his own residential building until he gave commitments to pay Rs 27 lakh for silver medha to a puja committee.

The same puja committee also stopped the construction work of a medicine wholesaler forcefully. He was allowed to continue construction work only after he agreed to pay Rs 6 lakh for a silver medha, Rs 1 lakh for Ganesh puja and another Rs 1 lakh to an unsocial person who was pressurising the medicine wholesaler to give the money.