The Odisha government announced on Thursday that all schools and colleges in the State would be closed on January 27 in honour of the launch of the SAMALEI project in Sambalpur.
The Samaleswari Temple Area Management and Local Economy Initiatives (SAMALEI) project will be officially launched on January 27 by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
As of Monday, the inauguration’s ceremonies have already begun.
According to reports, on January 26, women in the city will conduct a Kalash Yatra as the last of the rites.
The Goddess will take a holy bath with the water that was brought during the Yatra.
SAMALEI Project: What Is It?
CM Naveen Patnaik declared on February 17, 2021, that the shrine of Goddess Samaleswari in Sambalpur would undergo a Rs 200 crore renovation project.
In order to better serve the thousands of pilgrims and visitors who visit the shrine every day, the redevelopment plan called for the construction of four heritage gates on the temple’s four sides as well as additional infrastructure amenities like parking spaces, concession areas, and restrooms close to the temple.
In addition, plans included construction of housing projects for temple servants and a 30-meter-wide road connecting the temple area to the Mahanadi bank. It is believed that the road facilitates the regular performance of Mahanadi alati rituals for the ruling Goddess.
In addition, the government intended to develop 108 acres of land surrounding the temple.
