Festivals & Events News Updates

A decision on whether devotees would be allowed entry to the island shrine during the festive period will also be announced only after the declaration of the new Covid protocols.

The 15th edition of the annual festival, themed '#LifeIsCalling', will feature over 60 international and local artistes across three stages.

Laxmi Puja 2021| Celebrations In Kendrapada

Laxmi Puja 2021| Khordha Witnesses Muted Celebrations

Gaja Laxmi Puja In Dhenkanal. Although Dhenkanal is famous for Laxmi Puja, celebrations were low key this year due to pandemic.

The usage of fire crackers and processions with music during immersion of the idols are barred in the State this year.

He encouraged his well wishers to donate blood and plasma on the occasion.

Today marks the day when Lord Rama killed the evil King Ravana and Maa Durga herself defeated the demon Mahishasur. Special rituals are being performed at various puja mandaps and shrines across Odisha on the occasion. 

Cuttack usually is jam-packed during this time of the year for the pious Durga puja fest, but alike 2020, in 2021 too the city witnessed low-key celebrations on Sasthi Puja, Saptami, Maha Astami, Nabami and similar empty-streets scene is expected on Dussehra as well, courtesy the never-ending pandemic. The millennium city is quite famous for the huge silver backdrops and the magnitude of ornaments used to decorate Goddess Durga. Alas, the idol height this year has been capped at 4-ft, which consequently has reduced the decorative items. Take a look at some of the pandals that are a must-visit.

Bollywood actress Kajol was recently spotted in Mumbai, while celebrating Durga Puja with family and friends. The actress looked radiant in a pink saree, as she graciously posed for the shutterbugs.

But the diversity of practices in these Peethas and the numerous facets of the divine feminine Goddess archetypes who preside the every nook and corner, from a nondescript village to metropolitan town in the State, is what make it a thing of beauty.

Maa Manikeswari, the reigning deity of the Western Odisha town Bhawanipatna, ventured out of her abode for her annual sojourn called ‘Chhatar Jatra’ on Wednesday.

A detailed security plan has been finalised and 100 officers along with 150 home guards from other districts have been mobilised. Around 20 aid posts will be set up and focus will be given on sector-wise patrolling and security at vulnerable and communally sensitive locations in the city.

Basing on a joint value of jury marks and public votes, the OCA-2021 nominees were selected from nine different fields, and were presented the honours today.

Keeping in mind the chances of large scale public gathering and congregation, the Odisha government had announced extended night curfew in the twin cities Bhubaneswar & Cuttack.