Kataka: The autumn air over the Mahanadi river carries a familiar, electric charge. It is Mahasaptami in Kataka, the ancient trading capital of Odisha, affectionately known as the Silver City. For generations, this historic city has celebrated Durga Puja not merely as a religious festival, but as a breathtaking showcase of artistic mastery, devotion, and sheer scale.
Walking through the vibrant neighbourhoods tonight, the atmosphere is nothing short of hypnotic. The crowds surge through illuminated arches, their eyes drawn toward the magnificent temporary pavilions, or pandals, that house the goddess. But what sets Kataka apart from anywhere else in the world is not just the scale of devotion, it is the legendary tarakasi, or silver filigree work, that frames the divine.
As you approach one of the prominent puja committee pavilions, the spectacle takes your breath away. Towering backdrops of pure, gossamer-thin silver filigree, known locally as chandi medha, shimmer under the floodlights, catching every flicker of the dhuno burners and brass lamps.
Kataka is renowned across the globe for this intricate tarakasi craftsmanship, honed by master artisans over centuries. Today, the city boasts around 38 silver tableaux, transforming local neighbourhood pandals into glowing palaces of silver.
Meanwhile, ending weeks of uncertainty regarding the festive schedule, the Kataka Mahanagar Shanti Committee has officially announced that Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra) will be celebrated across the Silver City on October 21 (Wednesday), with the traditional Bhasani Utsav (immersion procession) scheduled for October 22.
The decision resolves calendar conflicts stemming from Tithi timings in local almanacs.
According to committee members, Dashami Tithi begins at 12:50 pm on October 20 and concludes at 2:11 pm on October 21. Because essential Dashami rituals cannot be fully completed before the required immersion window closes on Wednesday, local organisers agreed to conduct the ceremonial immersion the following day.
“Since Dashami Tithi ends in the early afternoon on October 21, completing all mandatory rituals for Goddess Durga in time for an immediate procession was impractical. Observing Dussehra on Wednesday and holding the Bhasani on Thursday ensures all traditions are strictly honoured,” explained president of the committee Debendranath Sahu.
High-Tech Security and Force Deployment
To ensure smooth conduct and prevent law-and-order disruptions, the Commissionerate Police have rolled out an extensive security plan. Director General of Police (DGP) Vinaytosh Mishra conducted a field review of security preparations, visiting major puja pandals and sensitive neighbourhoods, including areas that experienced minor clashes during last year’s festivities.
“Kataka’s Dussehra celebrations draw thousands of devotees from near and far each year. A unique highlight is our silver medhas—now numbering over 30—which showcase the exceptional artistry, innovation, and devotion of our community. To ensure a safe and smooth festive period for all residents and visitors, we have implemented comprehensive traffic management and strict anti-crime protocols. Over 130 platoons of police personnel, 500 officers, and paramilitary units have been deployed across the city so that everyone can worship Goddess Durga with peace of mind,” the DGP said.
Key security measures for this year’s Durga Puja include:
>> Apart from 500 police officers, as many as 60 platoons, 2,100 Armed Police Reserve (APR) and Odisha Auxiliary Police Force (OAPF) personnel, 700 home guards and two companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed to maintain law and order during the festival.
>> The entire immersion route and major transit points will be monitored by over 1,300 CCTV units, featuring Facial Recognition and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) capabilities, complemented by four dedicated drone surveillance teams.
>> Police have established 57 temporary aid posts at strategic intersections, backed by plainclothes units deployed to monitor crowd movement and deter criminal activity.
Fire Safety and Traffic Control
Emergency readiness has also been prioritized. The Odisha Fire Service is setting up 15 temporary fire stations across Cuttack, anchored by a Central Control Room at the main Cuttack Fire Station.
According to Deputy Fire Officer Abani Kumar Swain and Assistant Fire Officer Prasant Kumar Dhal, safety awareness workshops and emergency response training were conducted for representatives of 215 puja committees prior to the festival.
To manage the heavy footfall of devotees visiting the city’s elaborate pandals, the Commissionerate Police have implemented strict traffic diversions. Four-wheelers are restricted from entering core city areas after 4 pm daily throughout the peak festival days to prevent gridlock.
