HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Oct 16: The celebration of Sri Sri Lakshmi Puja was held on Wednesday at various locations across the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) with festive fervour.
In Kokrajhar, the Lakshmi Puja and fair celebration began on Wednesday at various places, including Simbargaon, Banargaon, Sukhanjhora, Rabhapara, etc., with festive fervour.
In Chirang, the 133rd Bijni Sri Sri Lakshmi Puja and fair began at the Lakshmi Mandir, Bijni, along the Raja Bijit Narayan Samanyay playground. The Lakshmi Puja and fair will continue for 12 days, which will witness various programs like cultural events, Kusha dance, and showcases of theatre, etc.
Notably, the Bijni Lakshmi Puja has been regarded as a historic annual event among the citizens of the region. The Bijni Lakshmi Puja celebration started in 1891 under the then Bijni King Bijit Narayan and has been celebrated every year since, earning a remarkable name in the state of Assam.
“The Sri Sri Lakshmi Mandir has been opened for the devotees this evening. The Bijni Lakshmi Puja and Fair are historic as citizens of this area have the opportunity to worship Lakshmi Devi during the Sri Sri Lakshmi Puja celebration,” said a member of the puja organising committee.
The Kajalgaon Lakshmi Puja and fair also began on Wednesday at the Kajalgaon Lakshmi Mandir complex. A large number of devotees and visitors thronged the inaugural day on Wednesday evening.
In Baksa, the Lakshmi Puja was organised at different places in the district, witnessing a large number of devotees and followers at the Lakshmi Mandir.
Pramod Boro, the chief executive member of Bodoland Territorial Region, and state cabinet minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma extended their greetings on the auspicious occasion of Sri Sri Lakshmi Puja.
CEM Boro wished a happy Lakshmi Puja to all citizens of the region, saying that may Goddess Lakshmi Devi bless all citizens with peace, prosperity, and happiness.
“On the sacred occasion of Lakshmi Puja, may Goddess Lakshmi bless us with peace, prosperity, and happiness. May your home be filled with light, joy, and success. Wishing every family a blessed and joyous Lakshmi Puja,” Boro added.
Our Dibrugarh correspondent adds: On Wednesday, the markets in Dibrugarh were bustling with people participating in the Lakshmi Puja celebrations. From early morning, crowds gathered to purchase flowers, fruits, and idols of Goddess Lakshmi.
While most residents observed Lakshmi Puja on Wednesday, some plan to continue the celebrations on Thursday.
“Due to skyrocketing prices of vegetables and other essential commodities, we are facing problems. We are observing the Lakshmi puja this time on a small budget,” said Ranjan Paul, a resident of Dibrugarh.
He said, “In previous years, the prices were lower, but this time, everything has shot up. Before Durga Puja, the prices of vegetables and other essential commodities shot up.”
Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, also known as Kojagori Purnima, is celebrated to honour Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The festival is observed on the night of the full moon in the month of Ashwin.