Bhubaneswar: This festive season, residents and visitors in Bhubaneswar are witnessing an extraordinary architectural crossover. Thousands of kilometres separating iconic global and national spiritual destinations have vanished, with the city’s elaborate Durga Puja pandals bringing landmarks like Vatican City in Rome and India’s sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites to life.
Nayapalli: A Slice of Rome in Odisha
At the Nayapalli Durga Puja pandal, the familiar skyline of the Vatican has taken shape through three majestic blue-and-white domes. Rising above ornate pillars, golden embellishments, and sculpted angels, the facade radiates a grand, celestial appearance.
According to Nayapalli Durga Committee founder Sanathan Meher, the structural vision aims to bring a piece of Italy’s historic Rome to the people of Odisha. “Spanning an impressive 125 feet in width and standing 80 feet tall, the monumental structure has been crafted by a specialised team of 30 artisans brought in from West Bengal,” he told PTI.
Inside the pavilion, the atmosphere transitions into warm golden hues complemented by intricate celestial installations. Adding a unique organic touch, the interior decorative work incorporates dried leaves of a specific date palm variety sourced from Rajasthan, blending architectural grandeur with natural elements.
Rasulgarh: Foam Artistry Meets Vatican Majesty
Meanwhile, another major crowd-puller in Rasulgarh has also drawn inspiration from Vatican City, though adopting a distinct construction medium. Entirely built out of foam, this intricate structure required a dedicated team of 40 artisans working over two months to complete. Given Rasulgarh’s reputation for massive festival crowds, organisers anticipate a high footfall as devotees flock to admire the lightweight yet detailed craftsmanship.
Jharpada: Journey Through the Char Dham
Shifting the spiritual lens from Europe to India’s sacred geography, the Jharpada Durga Puja Committee has crafted a magnificent tribute to the revered Char Dham pilgrimage sites of Uttarakhand. Arranged sequentially, the installation features distinct architectural styles for each shrine, lending them individual identities while seamlessly blending into a cohesive grand pilgrimage experience.
Saheed Nagar: ‘Our Legacy, Our Pride’.
A major highlight this year is the 49th annual celebration by the Saheed Nagar Durga Puja Committee, which is embracing the theme ‘Our Legacy, Our Pride’.
Spanning an impressive 120 feet in width and 80 feet in height, the grand pandal has been crafted by around 40 skilled workers to honour Odisha’s glorious history, architectural grandeur, and spiritual traditions. The installation creatively portrays the state’s profound cultural identity, featuring replicas of iconic landmarks such as Shree Jagannath Temple, Rath Yatra, and Shanti Stupa, alongside historic monuments and Buddhist heritage sites.
Adding to the majestic spectacle are exquisite traditional embellishments: a magnificent silver backdrop weighing 1.9 quintals and a two-kilogram golden crown adorning Goddess Durga. Committee Secretary Harish Prasad Rath noted that the initiative aims to celebrate the achievements of ancestors and the rich traditions of Odisha. This follows last year’s patriotic theme, which paid tribute to India’s defence forces through an inspiring homage to Operation Sindoor.
Bomikhal: Glittering Skyline of Dubai
The Bomikhal Puja Committee is turning heads this year with a breathtaking, Dubai-inspired pandal. Marking its 63rd year of celebrations, the popular puja committee has brought the glittering skyline of the United Arab Emirates straight into the heart of Odisha. Spanning roughly 80 feet in height and 110 feet in width, the grand structure meticulously replicates architectural marvels like the towering Burj Khalifa and the striking blue-and-gold tones of the Atlantis resort using intricate craftsmanship with bamboo and cloth.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the organisers have woven a deeper narrative into the theme, pointing out that just as a desert city transformed into a global metropolis, Bhubaneswar and the state hold immense potential for continuous growth.
Alongside the architectural wonder, Goddess Durga is adorned with a magnificent 7-kg silver crown and matching ornaments, complemented by eco-conscious messages featuring peacock conservation across the venue.
With massive crowds expected throughout the festivities, security has been tightened with dozens of CCTV cameras and over a hundred police personnel and volunteers deployed to ensure a smooth and safe experience for thousands of visitors flocking to witness the Arabian Nights-style spectacle.
Old Station Bazaar: ‘Life Is a Drama’
This year, for its 71st celebration, the pandal explores a deeply philosophical concept titled ‘Life Is a Drama’. Embodying the timeless adage that the world is a stage where every individual plays a transient role, the installation intricately mimics a live performance arena. Featuring elements of a vibrant circus, theatrical stages, audience seating, green rooms, and live artistic displays adorned with vivid imagery of performers, jokers, and stage animals, the design blends spectacle with profound existential storytelling. By merging spirituality, artistic expression, and imaginative engineering, the pandal offers visitors a spellbinding journey that challenges perceptions of reality and space.
Palasuni: Royal Splendour in Capital City
Similarly, the Palasuni Durga Puja Committee has captivated pandal-hoppers this year by bringing Rajasthan’s iconic architectural marvel, the Hawa Mahal, right to the heart of Bhubaneswar. Despite spatial constraints near the Palasuni stretch along the National Highway corridor, craftsmen and artisans have skilfully replicated the distinct ornate facade of Jaipur’s 18th-century palace.
The temporary structure features the iconic pink sandstone hue, complete with arched windows, delicate latticework (jharokhas), and vibrant decorative accents designed to mirror Rajasthan’s imperial grandeur. As dusk sets in, colourful thematic lighting transforms the venue, drawing large crowds and photography enthusiasts seeking festive visual treats.
Notably, around 195 pandals have been set up in the city this year, up from around 190 last year. While 300 police officers and 40 platoons of force have been deployed, CCTV cameras have been installed at all pandals.
Pictures by Pravat Mohanty