‘Lucknow Palace’ In Bhubaneswar’s Saheed Nagar Is A Big Draw

Bhubaneswar: Durga Puja pandals across Odisha witnessed huge footfall of devotees on Monday with religious fervour reaching its peak on the occasion of Maha Navami.

A total of 170 puja pandals have been put up in the state this year.

Most Puja committees have gone for pollution free and environment-friendly pandals, shunning use of plastics for decoration.

While Nayapalli Durga Puja committee has used inedible wild fruits from forests, sea shells and conches in its pandal, Rasulgarh Puja committee has decked it up with artificial flowers made of paper and cloth.

Similarly, Saheed Nagar Durga Puja organisers have used biodegradable items for building a replica of the Lucknow Palace.

Raj Prasad Of Lucknow

“As many as 30 artisans from Kolkata under the supervision of Asim Maiti have created the 70-feet-heigh and 120-feet-wide pandal. They began the work on Ganesh Chaturthi using ply, cloths, thermocol and fibre,” said Harish Prasad Rath, treasurer of the Puja Samiti.

Cuttack artisans under the guidance of Kuli Moharana sculpted the 18 feet idol in 30 days, he added.

Gold Crown And Silver Medha

“We have been using silver for decorating the Medha for past several years. This year, we have made a 2.5 kg gold crown for the Goddess,” said Harish.

Meena Bazar

A Meena Bazar with joy rides, toy shops and food stalls have been erected adjacent to the pandal.

Mata Ki Jagran

“We have been organising cultural function from Saptami to Dasami. We will organise Bhajan Samaroha. Mata ki Jagran will be organised on Dasami like last year. It was a huge success and appreciated by the devotees,” said Harish.

The songs create a devotional atmosphere and devotees said to have felt the presence of the Goddess during ‘Mata Ka Jagran’, he added.

Ravan Podi

“We are not organising Ravan Podi since last five years. As per the guidelines, we do not have enough space near the pandal for it,” said Harish.

Security

“We have a team of 100 volunteers to manage the crowd. As many as 16 CCTV cameras have been installed at different places for security purpose,” he said.

The samiti has hired 30 private securities to maintain law and order.

The police have also given special power to 30 committee members for smooth conduct of the Puja. They have been supervising the areas near the joy rides at Meena Bazaar and regulating traffic.

“For smooth darshan and safety of the women, we have created different rows for men, women and one for senior citizens and the differently-abled,” he said.

Idol Immersion Ceremony

Bhashani will be held on October 9. “The procession will be taken out from Vani Vihar Square to Raj Mahal Square in the city with 25 other idols. A souvenior will also be released on the occasion,” Harish said.

Traditional instruments like, Singha Baja will be played with artistes performing Ghoda Nacha, Dul Duli, Ghanta, Sambalpuri dance and Ghumura, he added.