Dhenkanal: Preparation for ‘Maha Shivratri’ celebration, also known as Jagar festival, is currently underway at the temple of Lord Chandrasekhar – the presiding deity of Kapilas in Dhenkanal district.
Maha Shivratri will be celebrated here February 21 according to established traditions and rituals. The endowment department here is leaving no stones unturned to ensure that the Jagar festival goes off without a hitch.
The main temple, temples of side gods and goddesses, and the kitchen have been whitewashed. Since a congregation of lakhs of devotees is expected, the endowment department has erected steel barricades for devotees.
The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) is carrying out beautification works at the entrance of the shrine. Works on illumination of the Barabank road, repair of steps and other ancillary facilities are going on. Tanker facility to provide drinking water at the shrine itself is in place.
For traffic and parking management, a detailed plan has already been chalked out. Fire and energy departments have also pitched in their tents.
The area around the shrine has been cleaned up. The endowment department held a few rounds of discussions with the servitors regarding completion of temple rituals in a time-bound manner.
When contacted, district endowment officer and sub-collector Saphalya Mandit Pradhan said preparations were at their last stages. “To maintain law and order situation, besides three magistrates, ample police force will be deployed. Steps taken by various departments are being reviewed,” he informed.
According to the administration, the ‘Mahadipa’ will be raised atop the temple at 4:20am. The time has been fixed by royal priest Panchanan Mishra.
PNN
