Dhenkanal: Nearly 50 heritage enthusiasts, including students from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) and Dhenkanal Autonomous College, gathered yesterday to explore the rich cultural legacy of the Gajalaxmi Puja in Dhenkanal. Their focus was on the intricate “Chandi Medhas” or silver tableaus, which are a hallmark of the celebration.
The heritage walk, organized by Dhenkanal Heritage Walks (DHW) under the leadership of convener Prof. Suresh Prasad Mishra, marked the 18th episode of the heritage trail. Senior members of DHW, along with participants from other heritage groups, joined the pandal-hopping excursion, delving into the historical and artistic significance of these silver marvels.
Historians trace the origin of the “Chandi Medha” tradition in Dhenkanal back to 1959 when the first silver tableau was introduced at the Maudamani Rajalakshmi Puja Pratishthan in Meenabazar. However, the original tableau was stolen in 1976, and a new one, weighing 160 kg, was created in 2004. After Cuttack’s famous Chaudhury Bazar Durga Medha, the Meena Bazar Laxmi Medha is the second-oldest “Chandi Medha” in Odisha and the first of its kind in Dhenkanal.
Over the years, the allure of the “Chandi Medhas” has grown, with additional silver tableaus being introduced across the town. In 2016, Kaibalya Bazaar near Siddha Balaram Temple unveiled a 140-kg tableau, followed by the Gudianali Puja pandal in 2018, which showcased a 125-kg tableau. That same year, Ganesh Bazaar, the largest market in Dhenkanal, introduced the state’s heaviest “Chandi Medha,” weighing a whopping 350 kg. In 2022, Lakshmi Bazaar introduced a 150-kg tableau, and this year, Jubilee Town-II’s Deulshahi Puja Mandap added a beautiful 70-kg silver tableau to the growing collection.
The heritage enthusiasts began their journey early in the morning, visiting Gudianali, Kaibalya Bazaar, Jubilee Town-II, Ganesh Bazaar, and Lakshmi Bazaar, culminating their exploration at Meena Bazar. At each stop, members of the respective Puja committees warmly welcomed the visitors and provided insights into the history of their “Chandi Medhas.”
The Gajalakshmi Puja in Dhenkanal has a unique allure. For 11 days, the 6-kilometer stretch from College Bypass to Korian Bypass is transformed into a vibrant, festive corridor adorned with grand gates and dazzling lights. Puja pandals from various markets along the stretch house idols of Goddess Lakshmi, and the atmosphere is filled with devotion, with pilgrims from all over the district and beyond flocking to witness the celebration. The town is abuzz with businesses, and the sound of Vedic chants fills the air across the 36 puja pandals.
Senior educationists Dr. Bhawani Shankar Mishra and Dr. Mrinal Chatterjee, President of the Dhenkanal Journalists Association Prasanna Kumar Patnaik, senior member of Cuttack Heritage Walks Bishwaranjan Dehuri, and other heritage walk participants were also present during the cultural exploration.
This year’s heritage trail not only highlighted Dhenkanal’s age-old traditions but also engaged a younger generation in the preservation and appreciation of the town’s rich cultural heritage.