A banner in Adityapur for Paul Dhinakaran’s visit. Picture by Bhola Prasad

Jamshedpur, Oct. 18: United in prayer — for power or festive cheer.

The political glitterati will keep aside their differences to join the Lord’s Ministry over the Diwali weekend.

Conducted by Paul Dhinakaran and his wife Evangeline Paul Dhinakaran, Adityapur would play host to a religious mass gathering from October 20-22.

The programme is being organised by Jharkhand Prayer Festival Committee, which is headed by Suman Mahto, wife of Jamshedpur MP Sunil Mahto.

While chief minister Madhu Koda would be the chief guest during the inaugural function, the entire cabinet is expected forget the berth pangs and chant a few prayers on the occasion.

“We are yet to receive an official confirmation from the ministers, but sources have said that every minister in the state ministry would be coming,” said Solomon John, general convener of the event.

However, deputy chief minister Sudhir Mahto would be there for sure. So would land reforms and revenue minister Dulal Bhuyian and Sunil Mahto.

Over 2000 workers have been preparing for the grand event and clearing up the 90-acre plot for the event.

“We are expecting about six lakhs people from Bihar, Orissa, Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh for the three-day event,” Solomon further said.

About Rs 7-8 lakh have been spent for installing lights and public announcement system, all brought from Hyderabad, at the location. Besides, makeshift camps have been put up to accommodate over 50,000 people. School buildings, community halls and hotels have also been booked for housing the stream of devotees for the event.

“The final list of the places would be available after the committee meeting late this evening,” said Suman Mahto, chairperson of the Jharkhand Prayer Service Committee.

A musical choir from Karunya University, Coimbatore, will also be present on the occasion to set the tune for the show. Several choirs from local churches would also perform at the religious extravaganza.