Preparation for the state government-sponsored Durga Puja in Seraikela is in full swing, but the money for organising the puja celebration is yet to be remitted.

This is for the first in the history of this government-sponsored Puja, which is being celebrated since 1948, that the fund has not been remitted before Puja.

“The necessary fund would come from the Law department of the state government by August every year. But this year, it is yet to arrive. Puja festivity is all set to begin from Wednesday,” said Tapan Patnayak organiser of the government-sponsored Puja while talking to The Telegraph Online.

Patnayak, the director of Chhau Nritya Academy, Seraikela maintained that the state government provides Rs 500000 to organise five Pujas and festivals, including Durga Puja, Kali Puja and Jagadhatri Puja in Seraikela and Kharsawan.

Significantly, the Durga Puja beside other pujas and festivals celebrated in Seraikela are supposed to be government-sponsored because of an agreement between the Royal estate of Seraikela and the Union Government inked during the merger of the Royal estate with rest of the India in the year 1948. As per the agreement, the concerned government will have to sponsor the Pujas and festivals in Seraikela.

“We organise the Durga Puja in a simple way, so it is being organised within a budget of Rs 100000 while we keep aside the remaining fund for other pujas and festivals. This year we are preparing for the Durga Puja on credit in the absence from the government fund,” he pointed out.

Speaking about the preparation, Patnayak said they are following the Covid protocol.

“The height of Goddess Durga’s idol and her children are below five feet. There will be no distribution of bhog and those in the age-group below 18 years will not be allowed to come inside the Puja venue,” he said.

Seraikela sub-divisional officer, Ramkrishna Kumar, the 'Karta' for the Puja is scheduled to do the kalash sthapana ritual on Wednesday.