SEVERAL people were injured on Wednesday night when a confrontation broke out between police and Gajalaxmi Puja participants at Baji Chowk during an idol immersion procession. Tension flared after the procession allegedly bypassed its scheduled deadline. While puja committee members maintained they had a formal agreement to complete the ritual by 11.55 pm, police intervened and halted the procession at 11 pm. This sudden stoppage sparked a heated argument, resulting in brief chaos and a subsequent police lathi-charge. Police, however, stated that the puja committee failed to adhere to the agreed upon timeline and that the intervention was triggered by a scuffle within the procession.

Meanwhile, Dhenkanal's 10-day Gajalaxmi Puja concluded with a vibrant immersion procession from 9.30 am to 2 am. Beginning October 25 and ending November 3, the festival drew massive crowds who gathered in the streets to dance, sing, and witness the colourful musical mandaps closing out the grand celebration.

The mandaps showcased diverse themes to attract devotees. Anand Bazaar featured Aghori-inspired displays and 'Kantara' film theme, while Meena Bazaar highlighted Odisha's heritage with a replica of Puri's Jagannath Temple. Other bazaars presented classical and 'Ghoda Nacha' dances alongside a display of Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar.

The procession also featured lookalikes of popular figures, including Narendra Modi, Vijay Thalapathy, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan adding a touch of popular culture to the celebrations.