Itkhori Mahotsava: Dist gears up for three-day festival

Chatra: The Chatra district administration is making extensive preparations for the three-day Itkhori Mahotsava, scheduled to begin on February 19 at the historic Ma Bhadrakali temple complex.Deputy Commissioner Ramesh Gholap and SDO Simaria Sunny Raj are closely monitoring the preparations, with Gholap providing daily guidelines to ensure smooth execution. The ninth-century temple campus will be secured with armed personnel and monitored through 50 CCTV cameras installed at strategic locations.SDO Raj, along with Sports Officer Tushar Kant and other officials, conducted a comprehensive inspection of the venue, reviewing the main stage construction, helipad, parking facilities, toilets, and drinking water arrangements for both VIPs and devotees.To enhance the viewing experience, six large LED screens will be installed around the venue, enabling visitors to watch the festival programs from various locations. The administration is also focusing on beautification, with the forest department preparing for a plantation drive behind the Hanuman temple.Chief Minister Hemant Soren will inaugurate the festival on February 19 afternoon and participate in the tree-planting initiative. Deputy Commissioner Gholap expressed confidence that this year's festival would maintain its traditional grandeur.The administration is working on a war footing to ensure all arrangements are in place for this significant cultural event.