Bhubaneswar: Durga Puja organisers in the city are trying to out do each other by their innovative and glitzy pandals to draw revelers by the hordes.
The pandal at Baramunda is a case in point. It’s a replica of Delhi’s Akshardham temple, making it a must visit destination this Puja. Measuring 86 feet in height and 126 feet in width, the pandal has been made by artisans from Kolkata.
As many as 80 artisans made it in 45 days, informed Akhaya Paikray, executive member of Baramunda Durga Puja Committee.
The 14-feet high idol has been made by 10 artisans from Marshaghai in Kendrapara district. The idol making work was completed in 22 days, Paikray said.
The crown of Maa Durga has been made of 10 kg silver, he added. Artisans from Cuttack were engaged to make the medha.
“We have been celebrating Puja here for the past 20 years. Every year, thousands of devotees throng to the pandal and appreciate our creativity,” Paikray said.
“For the security of the devotees, 200 volunteers have been deployed in the area. All the volunteers are members of the committee. To maintain law and order, the Commissionerate Police have provided forces. Besides, one fire brigade is present all the time. 14 CCTV cameras have also been installed in the pandal,” he informed.
“Melody and dance programmes have been organised for four days, from Saptami to Dashami. Ghoda Nacha was held on Saptami. Children will perform dance in a cultural programme on Dashmi,” he added.
The committee has been giving Khichdi and Dalma as prasad to the devotees. Special Dahi Pakhala (curd rice) will be offered to Maa Durga on Tuesday, said Paikray.
Another major attraction is the Meena Bazaar with myriad food stalls offering different types of delicious foods, joy rides and shops selling toys and home decor.
The Baramunda Durga Puja Committee has been allowed to conduct ‘Ravan Podi’ by burning of the effigy of demon king Ravan to mark the triumph of good over evil on Vijaya Dashmi.
“Ravan Podi will be held at 8.30 pm on Tuesday,” he informed.
The committee members will follow the Supreme Court guidelines, as per which, a barricade would be put up within a radius of 100 metres of the effigy of Ravan.
Bhashani Yatra of Goddess Durga will be held on Wednesday.
“We are conducting idol immersion ceremony individually. Folk dances like Ghoda Nacha, Naga, Singha Nacha and puppet dance will be performed during the immersion procession. Many traditional instruments will also be played in the yatra,” Paikray said.
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