Bhubaneswar, Oct 19 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday announced that the Durga Puja festivities will be held in a low-key manner given the widespread damage caused by heavy rainfall and flooding that occurred across several districts this year.
“In view of the damage caused by incessant rainfall and floods in various districts of the state, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has decided to celebrate the Durga Puja festival in a low-key manner this year,” the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) noted in an official statement.
The Chief Minister said he is particularly saddened by the extensive losses suffered by farmers in the affected districts, so he has decided to not visit puja pandals to offer prayers during the Durga Puja festivities on the occasion of Dussehra.
Meanwhile, in a video message, CM Majhi extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja. He noted that the worship of Matru Shakti (maternal power) is inextricably linked with our culture and civilisation. Maa Durga is the symbol of Matru Shakti.
“Durga Puja is not merely a religious festival. It is a symbol of our cultural tradition and a path of spiritual awakening. May the arrival of Maa Durga, the embodiment of power (Shakti Swaroopini), on this Earth bring auspiciousness to all,” said Majhi.
“With the blessings of Maa Durga, may sorrow and injustice be eradicated from the world, and may every household be filled with happiness, peace, and prosperity; this is my prayer at the feet of the mother,” he further added.
The Durga Puja festival is being celebrated across the state with pomp and gaiety, with huge puja pandals decorated with colourful lights and elaborate decorations attracting large crowds of devotees. Temples and puja mandaps have been beautifully adorned, while special arrangements have been made for the smooth movement of visitors.
The Odisha Police has also made elaborate arrangements to ensure security at the Puja Pandals and smooth traffic movement in the cities across the state, particularly at the twin cities, Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
Similarly, to ensure the safety of people across the state during the festive season and prevent fires and other untoward incidents at puja pandals, the Odisha Fire and Emergency Services has launched the ‘Shakti Suraksha’ campaign. The fire department identified a total of 1,515 Durga Puja pandals across the state this year, while more than 5,000 fire personnel and various firefighting equipment have been deployed at different locations across Odisha to avoid any untoward incident.
–IANS
grm/dan
