Grand Celebration of Deepotsav 2025 at Jagannath Temple, Bandhabhal Dinabandhav Kshetra
Jharsuguda: The spirit of devotion and unity illuminated the Jagannath Temple at Bandhabhal Dinabandhav Kshetra as Deepotsav 2025 was celebrated with grandeur and collective prayers for global peace and harmony. The temple premises glowed with the light of 1,25,521 earthen lamps, symbolizing a unified commitment towards building a harmonious, friendly, and pollution-free nation.
The ceremonial lighting of the Mahadeep commenced at 6:00 PM, marking the beginning of the spiritual celebration. The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy, Jharsuguda SP G. Raghavendra Reddy; Pranab Kumar Patel, Chief Vigilance Officer, MCL; and Shri Sanjay Kumar Jha, Director (Technical – P&P), MCL, along with senior officials and department heads from Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL).
Now in its fifth year, the Deepotsav festival has continued to grow in scale and participation. From lighting 5,000 lamps in its inaugural year, the number rose to 51,000 in the second year, 1,11,111 in the third, and 1,21,000 in the fourth. This year’s record total of 1,25,521 lamps reflected the growing enthusiasm among devotees and contributors. Out of the total, 67,000 lamps were contributed by ILBL OCP, 23,000 by the GM Unit, 24,000 by IB Valley Washery, 11,000 by CWS IB Valley, and 521 by the temple committee.
The lighting ceremony involved around 2,500 volunteers and required nearly 3,000 litres of castor oil. Preparations were carried out over three days with the active participation of employees, local schools, and community organizations. The temple complex came alive with beautifully arranged lamps and intricate rangoli designs depicting deities such as Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, Lord Ganesh, Hanuman, and Mahadev, among others. The entire setting radiated an aura of serenity, faith, and collective spirit.
The success of Deepotsav 2025 was made possible under the able guidance of Shri Awadh Kishore Pandey, General Manager, MCL Lakhanpur Area, and Shri Samir Kumar, General Manager, CWS IB Valley. Their leadership, combined with the sincere efforts of Trade Union representatives, the Jagannath Temple Committee, officers and staff of MCL, contractual workers, local residents, and devotees from surrounding villages, ensured that the celebration became a shining symbol of community devotion and togetherness.
