Festivals & Events News Updates

Bakhrabad Durga puja committee in the millennium city is such a place where nationalism and patriotism has taken centre stage as the members have put ‘Bharat Mata’ on the pandal instead of Goddess Durga.

Mahisasura then attacked the three worlds of earth, heaven and hell. He didn’t even spare the Indralok, the kingdom of Lord Indra. Terrified gods approached Lord Brahma, who then went to Lord Vishnu and they all sought help from Lord Shiva. 

Devotees can see a true reflection of the Kannada film at the puja pandal of the Girish Park area. Starting from the Goddess Durga to the demon Mahisashura, from side deities to walls and interiors, everything is gracefully sculpted and decorated by artisans on the theme of this much-acclaimed film. 

Of the several puja committees in the town, Tentuladanga Puja Committee in Bairpada town is unique because it sends out a heart-warming message of communal harmony and brotherhood. 

On the occasion of Dusshera festival, in most parts of the country, the effigy of Ravana is burnt. But then again, the ten-headed demon king is worshipped in some other parts. 

The last few days of Navratri festival starting from Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami are considered more significant.

It is performed for 21 days beginning from Bhaadraba Purnima. For these 21 days, the girls perform Bali Puja near the Tulasi plant at their homes, in which one betelnut and seven seashells are kept inside a little box and worshipped as Lord Shiva.

Navratri is celebrated in the Ashwin Shukla Paksha and its 7th day is called as Saptami.

The next lunar eclipse will be visible from India on 7 September 2025 and the same will be a total lunar eclipse.

A preparatory meeting chaired by Cuttack collector, Bhabani Shankar Chayani, for the biggest trade fair in the state was held on Thursday. It was attended by Senior officials of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), RDC (Central), Cuttack DCP and CDA Chairman.

As per the forecast, rain may start from the ‘Shashthi’ of the puja itself. However, no predictions have been released about the parts of the state that may receive rainfall on ‘Navami’ and ‘Dashami’.  

Shardiya Navratri this year began on October 15 and ends on October 23. During these nine days of Navratri, nine forms of Maa Durga are worshipped. Each of the weapons placed in the ten arms of Maa Durga represents a particular siddhi or power, and can also be seen as the eternal embodiment of the Goddess. These weapons are shown to the devotees with wishes of strength, protection, and progress.

On World Food Day, leaders on Monday presented the case for urgent action to transform food systems to reduce emissions and build resilience.

Around five hundred years ago, Durga Puja was first celebrated in Cuttack. It is said that Binod Bihari Puja Mandap in Balu Bazar was the place in the city where the first Durga Puja was celebrated. 

The auspicious occasion of Mahalaya marks the end of the Pitru Paksha, otherwise known as Shradh. Those who couldn’t offer ‘pinda' to their forefathers during the 16 days of the Pitru Paksha, are doing the same today.