Durga Puja is round the corner and Bhubaneswar is already soaking in the festive mood. Puja committees across Bhubaneswar have put their best foot forward to draw revelers and captivate them with their glitz and glory. However, their hard work will be put to test once pandal-hoppers, dressed in their best, throng the streets and make a beeline outside the best pandals.
Let’s take a look at some of the major pandals.
Jharpada Durga Puja Samiti
One of the grandest pandals in the city, the Jharpada Durga Puja is a major attraction for pandal-hoppers every year. This year, the 85-feet-high and 120-feet-wide pandal is a replica of the Cybele Palace in Madrid, Spain.
“After the appreciation we got for the replica of a Bangkok palace last year, we have chosen the Cybele Palace from Madrid for this year’s Puja.”
– Jharapada Puja Committee
The organisers have arranged for a ramp inside the pandal for the disabled and elderly people.
Meena bazaar, attractive lights, cultural programmes by troupes from across the state and Ravan podi or burning of a replica of Ravan will be the major attractions here.
Nayapalli Durga Puja Samiti
The pandal of the Nayapalli puja, which is in its 28th year, is a replica of the Art of Living International Center situated in Bangalore. The 80-feet-tall and 100-feet-wide pandal has been created using mirror, ropes and plywood.
The idol this year is around 16 feet tall. Special attention has been paid to lighting arrangements. Besides, the committee will host Ravan darbar, and chief minister Naveen Patnaik is expected to attend the event.
According to sources, the committee will conduct a competition on the display of fireworks along with staging a five-day-long Ramleela programme during the puja this year.
Rasulgarh Durga Puja Committee
The 80-feet-high and 120-feet-wide pandal made of wood is a replica of a Shiv temple. Around 50 artists from Midnapore in Bengal have worked round the clock for over two months to complete it.
“The Rasulgarh Puja committee has cancelled Ravan podi due to environmental hazards and lack of space, aiming to donate the money to the underprivileged.”
Old Station Bazaar Durga Puja Samiti
The city’s oldest puja is celebrating its 60th edition this year. The organisers have created 3D replicas of the Seven Wonders of the World, women empowerment being one of the highlights this year.
Idols of various women achievers and goddesses have been set up inside the pandal. A silver filigree backdrop made of gold and other metals will be another highlight. To add to the glamour, a number of light gates have been put up near the pandal.
Saheed Nagar Durga Puja Samiti
One of the most visited pandals in the city, the Saheed Nagar has put up an imaginary palace built in the Midnapore style.
“Lighting arrangements with minimum power consumption is the main attraction this year.”
– Saheed Nagar Puja Samiti
The committee has also panned to deploy special security arrangements by private security providers, police as well as 200 volunteers to ensure smooth traffic movement in and around the pandal.
The highlight is the felicitation ceremony of Odia sportspersons, which the puja committee is hosting since 2007. This year, international rugby player Pragyan Gorabadu, athlete Amiya Mallick, chess champion Saina Salonika and Arjuna Award winning rowing coach Jose Jacob will be felicitated, along with Indian Idol Junior winner Ananya Nanda.
Courtesy: The Telegraph
Suraj Samal said on
The step taken up by the Rasulgarh Durga Puja Committee to help the underprivileged is worthy of appreciation. Crores of money is being spent during the puja for decoration purposes & if a percentage of that amount is spent for helping the poor, then it’s indeed a noble step worthy of getting blessings from Durga Maa.
I hope that other committees should adopt such steps for a better society.