Bhubaneswar: The annual celebration of Ganesh Puja is on full swing in across Odisha, with its grandeur and enthusiasm. The elephant-headed god, who is believed to destroy obstacles and bring prosperity and fortune, is worshipped by devotees to gain blessings before beginning a new work.
Held on the fourth day of the Sukla Pakshya in the Odia month of Bhadraba, popular festival Ganesh Puja is celebrated by people from all walks of life in the State.
Being celebrated across different puja mandaps in the state capital Bhubaneswar, each puja pandal exhibits a unique theme related to Lord Ganesha from religious tradition. Similarly, Cuttack is immersed in a festive fervour for the special occasion.
At Berhampur and Talcher the celebrations for Ganesh Puja have started with pomp and gaiety.
Educational institutions in the State have been beautifully decorated to mark this special day. Thousands of splendid puja pandals have been set up all over the state, creating a joyful atmosphere.
Some pandals stood out due to their unique idols and attractive decorations with vibrant lights and creative materials adding to the festive spirit. People in large numbers are visiting these mandaps to take part in the puja rituals.
The Commissionerate Police has asked the different puja committees to install CCTV cameras in and around the puja pandals and deploy volunteers to facilitate smooth observance of the festival.
Apart from the traditional rituals, cultural events are being organised at various pandals to entertain the devotees of Lord Ganesh.
People from all walks of life are worshipping ‘Bighna Binashaka’ Lord Ganesh to seek His blessings for good health, wealth and prosperity. For the entertainment of children there are arrangements of Ramdoli, and Meena Bazaar.
High Ganesh idols with decorated pandals, variety of sweetmeats as Prasad, musical ceremonies lined for the evening, feasts and much more. Though there is a possibility of rain over the next few days, the forecast hardly dampened spirit of people for the festival.
At several places the idols are made up of eco-friendly materials and would be immersed following a procession on September 17. The immersion procession will be completely free from noise and liquor as per the guidelines of the authorities.
