Kataka: Kataka’s Durga Puja traditions stand entirely in a league of their own, blending profound spiritual devotion with an extraordinary culinary heritage that distinguishes the Silver City during the festive season. As the grand celebrations of Vijaya Dashami culminate, the city’s pandals reflect a unique cultural identity where faith, history, and regional flavours intertwine seamlessly.
At the Ranighat Puja Mandap, organisers have prepared traditional Dahi Pakhala, made with fermented rice and curd for its cooling properties, alongside side dishes like saga bhaja to serve approximately 15,000 devotees completely free of charge. Similarly, Dahi Pakhala Bhog and vegetable curry using 2 quintals of curd, 9 quintals of rice, and 30 quintals of vegetables have been prepared at Chauliaganj for about 10,000 devotees, reflecting the simplicity, nourishment, and humility of traditional Odia life.
This simple yet cherished Odia meal holds an indispensable place in Dashami rituals across various pandals, reflecting the core belief in welcoming and bidding farewell to Maa Durga, worshipped as a daughter returning to her parental home, with the familiar, home-style food of her people.
To manage the massive turnout smoothly, elaborate logistical measures were put in place, including separate seating and service arrangements for women and men. Operating from late morning into the afternoon, dedicated volunteers alongside police and local administration ensured peace and orderly crowd management.
Earlier, Maha Navami brought a distinctive local twist to the celebrations with an elaborate fish feast for Maa Durga. While vegetarian bhog dominates many other regions, Kataka’s centuries-old custom features a grand fish preparation. At Chandni Chowk, a tradition dating back to 1817 and originally initiated by the Darpani Queen features fragrant Kanika, fish and vegetable curry, sweet ash-gourd khata, crispy Pohala fish fry, golden banana fry and leafy saga bhaja, with onions traditionally included in the cooking. Here, where the goddess is affectionately regarded as the Sana Bhauni (younger sister) of Balu Bazaar’s deity, the local community prepares massive quantities to serve nearly 10,000 devotees.
Similarly, at Alisha Bazar, the Macha Bhoga carries a deep layer of secular harmony and cultural significance, involving a unique ritual where committee members present sindura (vermilion) and flowers from Maa Durga to local fishermen as a protective kavach before they venture out to catch fish for the offering. The scale of the ritual feast is truly striking. Preparing seven quintals of fish (such as Rohu and Jalanga) alongside five quintals of rice, the Maha Navami offering is served to around 5,000 people.
Whether through the savoury richness of Maha Navami’s fish feast or the cooling comfort of Dussehra’s Dahi Pakhala, Kataka’s puja traditions continue to celebrate a vibrant bond between the community, its heritage, and the divine.
