Bhubaneswar: Odisha capital Bhubaneswar is celebrating Ganesh Puja on a grand scale from Monday, with towering idols and elaborate pandals and spectacular entrance gates large crowds across the city.
At Nayapalli Nuasahi, an 80-ft tall Lord Ganesh idol dressed as a Maharaja, is the major attraction for revellers. Adding to the grandeur, an India Gate-style entrance to the mandap has been designed to convey the message of peace, harmony and brotherhood. The pandal also has a massive 30 kg laddoo for the devotees.
In Baramunda, a 71-ft tall Ganesh idol is set to steal the show. Organised by the Smart Youth Force Organisation, the puja pandal features a 25-feet tall Mushak (mouse), the vehicle of Lord Ganesh. The club also organising free Anna Seva for 5,000 devotees for two days, organisers said.
Similarly, Badagada has unveiled a huge 65-feet tall idol of Lord Ganesh, inspired by the famous Lalbaug style of Maharashtra. The grand idol will be accompanied by a 65 kg laddoo, a diamond-studded crown, silver footwear and a silver mouse vehicle. Organisers said they have focused on using environment-friendly materials in the making of the idols.
Many puja committees have also created elaborate entrance arches. The Sahid Club in Saheed Nagar has designed a Kantara-themed entrance gate inspired by the art and culture of Karnataka.
The gate will be 65-feet high and 85-feet wide, and showcase traditional art and cultural elements associated with the region. Along with the elaborate entrance, a 14-feet tall Lord Ganesha idol will be adorned with silver ornaments, club members said. The puja pandals will also host 10 days of activities, including a Meena Bazaar and various cultural programmes to engage visitors.
Elaborate security and traffic arrangements have been made by the police in more than 400 places across the city for smooth and peaceful celebration of the puja.
According to DCP Jagmohan Meena, the celebrations are expected to attract large gatherings, particularly during the evening hours from 4 pm to 11 pm. Adequate police deployment, mobile patrolling, crowd control and traffic regulation arrangements have been put in place.
Police personnel have been deployed at important puja mandaps and vulnerable locations to regulate crowds, prevent crime and maintain public order. Mobile patrolling has also been intensified from 5 pm to midnight. Special traffic arrangements have been made around major puja mandaps and along immersion routes.