The famous Gajalaxmi Puja of Kendrapara has begun, bringing the town alive with festive fervour as devotees gather to worship Goddess Lakshmi. Decorative arches, colourful illuminations and beautifully adorned pandals have transformed the town, drawing large crowds from the first day of the seven-day celebration. The festival is being observed at 68 puja pandals across Kendrapara town and more than 100 pandals in the surrounding areas this year.