Snubbed By Odisha Govt, Cuttack Puja Committee Moves HC Over Durga Idol Height

Cuttack: Amid the ongoing row between puja committees of the twin cities and the Odisha government over the height of the idol of Goddess Durga, a writ petition was filed by the Balu Bazar Puja Committee in the High Court on Tuesday.

Challenging the notification issued by Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), the committee has prayed the court to direct the government to withdraw the restriction on idols height and allow the puja to be held as per the 500-year-old tradition.

Notably, the SRC in a notification on August 9 had maintained that the height of the Durga idol will not be more than four feet. In view of the prevailing pandemic situation, the committees were asked to perform the rituals of the Goddess behind the curtains in all puja mandaps in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to prevent any congregation.

Protesting against the guideline, the Puja Committees and Mahanagar Shanti Committees had staged dharna and urged the state government to reconsider its decision.

Taking note of the protests, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra and SRC Pradeep Jena had invited a delegation of the Puja committees and Mahanagar Shanti Committee to discuss the issue on September 8.

Also Read: Durga Idol Height: Puja Committees To Appeal To Odisha CM To Withdraw Restriction

However, the SRC at a press briefing on September 11 reteriated that there will be no change in the August 9 guidelines.

Expressing resentment over the stand, the puja committees had an emergency meeting on September 11 and decided to appeal to the Chief Minister.

The Cuttack District BJP Unit had also given a 12-hour bandh call on September 13 over the issue.

Also Read: Durga Idol’s Height: Ruckus In Puja Committees’ Meeting In Cuttack