Kataka: The Silver City of Odisha plunged into a profound wave of devotion, nostalgia, and festive grandeur as thousands of devotees gather across the streets to bid farewell to Goddess Durga on Thursday.
Marking the conclusion of Vijaya Dashami festivities, the iconic Bhasani Utsav (idol immersion ceremony) officially kicked off this morning, bringing the historic city alive with grand processions, elaborate route parades, and centuries-old rituals.
While a few Durga idols were immersed late Wednesday night, the city’s primary immersion procession got underway around 10 am following the sacred Melani (farewell) rituals. Around 130 to 150 Durga Puja committees operating under the Mahanagar Puja Committee are taking part in the procession, accompanied by traditional folk dance troupes and musical bands, along traditional corridors from College Square, Ranihat, Manglabag, Buxi Bazaar, and Choudhury Bazaar before reaching Devi Gada Ghat on the banks of the Kathajodi River at Purighat for final immersion.
In line with local administrative guidelines and peace committee agreements, this year’s immersion processions prioritise traditional musical instruments and cultural heritage. Authorities have enforced strict regulations, including a complete ban on DJ vehicles, ensuring that the celebrations maintain a peaceful and culturally authentic atmosphere.
Massive Security Deployment and High-Tech Surveillance
To ensure an incident-free festival, the Commissionerate Police has put a massive security apparatus into place across Kataka. “Around 4,200 police personnel have been deployed for the Bhasani ceremony, ranging from the DCP rank down to constables and home guards. Additionally, two companies of CAPF have been deployed. To maintain alertness, we have formed around 100 small teams assigned to various patches and routes under the supervision of senior officers. Our primary goal is to maintain peace and order while ensuring public participation without causing inconvenience to anyone,” Kataka DCP Rishikesh Khilari told the media.
Specialised patrolling units, including PCR vans and Quick Response Teams (QRT), have been strategically stationed along the main routes and sensitive patches to enable swift responses to any situation. Personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) have established dedicated camps in sensitive pockets, including Kadam Rasul and Hatipokhari.
Kataka’s famous silver tarakasi (filigree) tableaux (Chandi Medha) have been placed under special “Category A” security brackets, each guarded round-the-clock by four armed police officers alongside dedicated support units. Surveillance is being maintained using four specialised drone teams and a network of over 1,300 CCTV cameras monitoring the core procession corridor — from College Square to Devi Gada via Ranihat, Manglabag, Cantonment Road, Buxi Bazaar, Dargha Bazaar, and Choudhury Bazaar.
“Entire immersion routes will remain under continuous surveillance using drones as well as around 1,300 CCTV cameras. An Integrated Control Room operating 24/7 with dedicated staff has been set up to ensure seamless communication and monitoring. Action will strictly be taken against any anti-social activities. Furthermore, special patrolling vehicles, PCR vans, and Quick Response Teams (QRT) acting as striking forces have been stationed to respond immediately to any incoming alerts,” he added.
Top officials warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone disrupting peace or taking the law into their own hands during the overnight celebrations.
Eco-Friendly Immersion at Devi Gada
To protect the ecosystem of the Kathajodi River, the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), led by Mayor Subash Singh and CMC Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota, has instituted strict eco-friendly protocols.
Artificial Reservoirs: Three temporary ponds, each eight feet deep and fully lined with heavy-duty polythene, have been constructed at Devi Gada to prevent pollutants from entering the Kathajodi River. A separate artificial pond has been excavated at Gopalpur for idols coming from the city’s outskirts.
Heavy Machinery & Sanitation: Specialised hydra crane machines and excavators are being utilised to lift and submerge the massive idols safely. Sanitation crews and tractor fleets are stationed on-site to immediately clear debris post-immersion.
Site Infrastructure: The immersion zone has been barricaded, equipped with dedicated water wells for pond replenishment, and fitted with high-intensity light towers to support continuous operations expected to run well into the night.
As the idols make their final journey toward Devi Gada for immersion, emotional devotees bid adieu to the Mother Goddess, bringing a poignant close to another magnificent festive season in Kataka.