Free Kapilas, Joranda trips for Dhenkanal Laxmi Puja visitors

CUTTACK: In a bid to lure international as well as domestic tourists during the famous Laxmi Puja in Dhenkanal, the district administration has announced free trips for visitors to Kapilas Hill and Joranda, the seat of Mahima cult.
Any tourist from outside the state or foreigner visiting the puja can show their identity card of domicile at the district control room to avail the free trip.The district administration announced it on Monday coinciding with the start of the 11-day Laxmi Puja.
"A group of officials have been deployed at the control room for the purpose. We will provide vehicles for the trip along with travel guides," said collector (Dhenkanal) Roopa Roshan Sahu.
As many as 41 puja pandals have been put up in Dhenkanal. Puja mandaps at Ganesh Bazaar, Laxmi Bazaar , Mahabir Bazaar and Baji Chowk are decorated with dazzling illuminations.
The district administration with support from Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) is organizing a Palishree Mela (a fair of self help group (SHG) products) at the Dhenkanal stadium. More than 120 SHGs from different states are showcasing their handloom, handicraft and home décor products. "As many as 225 stalls, including 16 food kiosks, have been put up," said Dhenkanal ORMAS chief executive P Nayak.
On the sidelines, a buyer-seller meet on Dhokra craft is being organized at the mini stadium. "The meet and a workshop will help revive Dhokra craft through training on production techniques and marketing skills," said district tourist officer Natabar Nayak. "We have taken a number of steps to woo tourists," said the collector.