Bhubaneswar, Sept. 4 -- Preparations are underway in Kandhamal for Janmashtami and the 18th anniversary of the murder of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati. Special programmes have also been planned at the Jalespata and Chakapada ashrams on Friday.

The two ashrams will observe Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati's annual shraddha ceremony and Tirodhan Diwas as per Hindu rituals. Janmashtami will also be observed at the ashrams, with the management, residents, volunteers and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad making arrangements for the programmes.

Security arrangements have been tightened across Kandhamal in view of Janmashtami and the observance at the two ashrams.

A large number of police personnel have been deployed in different police station areas, whi...