Sambalpur: No light and sound show at Samaleswari temple: show closed due to rain, barricades, Tourist returns disappointed
Sambalpur: There was a lot of excitement among the local people regarding the light and sound show of Maa Samaleswari Temple. It was based on the history, heritage, art, culture, spirituality, agriculture, folk traditions of Sambalpur, while its dialogues, colorful lights, sounds, etc. mesmerized the audience. But now there is a lot of dissatisfaction among the tourists regarding this show. Tourists do not know when this light and sound show is on and when it is off. Tourists are returning disappointed with the arbitrary management of OTDC. The show is being called off suddenly due to rain, barricade. Of which not even the slightest information is given. Due to this, the audience who come to watch this show are returning disappointed.
It is worth noting that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the show in virtual mode on September 11 last year. But it was opposed due to some controversial views. As a result, it was re-edited and several scenes were removed. It was restarted on May 9 and the management responsibility was handed over to OTDC. According to OTDC’s Debashish Saha, the show continued usually in May and June. However, due to rain, the show was held for 15 days in July and only 7 days in August. At this time, an average of 25 viewers watched the show daily. Mr. Sahu said that the money was returned to the people because of the rains for several days.
On the other hand, thousands of devotees are coming to the temple every day as Navratri of Maa Samaleswari has already started. Lakhs of devotees thronged to see Maa Samaleswari. But the ‘light and sound show is closed even at this time. It is said that the show was stopped due to barricades. However, the ticket price for the 37-minute show is Rs 30 for students and senior citizens and Rs 50 for everyone else. A show can be watched by 200 people. OTDC, which is in charge of its management, informed that if there is more demand, 2 shows will be held in the coming days. But due to the situation, not even a single show is attended by the audience.
