Phulbani, Aug 15: The 17th death anniversary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati was observed peacefully in Odisha’s Kandhamal district on Friday, under heightened security arrangements.

The day began with traditional rituals including cow worship and a ceremonial Kalash Yatra. Devotees offered floral tributes and performed puja at the statue of Swami Lakshmanananda, followed by a memorial gathering in his honor.

Swami Jeevan Muktananda Puri, head of the Jalespeta Ashram, noted that the death anniversary is observed today according to the Hindu calendar, coinciding this year with Janmashtami celebrations.

Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati, a revered spiritual leader and social reformer was assassinated on Janmashtami in 2008. Armed assailants stormed the Jaleshpata Ashram under Tumudibandh police station limits and gunned down Swamiji along with four of his close associates. The incident triggered widespread unrest and remains a deeply emotional chapter in Kandhamal’s history.

While Maoist involvement was initially suspected in the killings, the VHP continues to demand the arrest of the alleged mastermind behind the attack.

Kandhamal MP Sukant Panigrahi reiterated the state government’s commitment to bringing all culprits to justice.

Given the significance of the day and its sensitive backdrop, the district administration has declared a high alert across Kandhamal. With both Independence Day and Janmashtami falling on the same date this year, security measures have been intensified.

Security was especially reinforced around Saraswati’s ashrams at Chakapada and Jaleshpeta, where devotees gathered to pay tribute to the monk.

Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Harish BC stated that armed police were deployed at vulnerable points across the district. “No untoward incident has been reported so far,” he said, adding that the district administration remained vigilant throughout the day.

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