Durga Puja: Devotion peaks as Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami rituals unite devotees across Odisha

The air is thick with the fragrance of incense, the rhythmic beating of drums, and the resonating echoes of conch shells. In puja mandaps across Odisha, Goddess Durga is being worshipped with fervent devotion as Maha Ashtami rituals continue, while at the sacred peeths (shrines), devotees are witnessing the solemn observance of Maha Navami.

At the heart of the celebrations, the atmosphere is filled with devotion. From the sacred chanting of Chandi Patha to the pulsating sound of ghantas and hulahuli, every moment reflects the deep spiritual bond between devotees and the divine. Throngs of worshippers line up with offerings in hand, eager to seek blessings and place bhoga at the Goddess’s feet.

At Biraja Temple, the final day of rituals culminates in the ceremonial Rath Yatra, a tradition that draws thousands of devotees.

Meanwhile, in Puri Srimandir, the shrine of Maa Bimala reverberates with the sacred observance of Maha Navami. Distinct rituals like the homa yajna highlight the day’s significance, while in accordance with Shakta tradition, 

Durga Madhava is ceremoniously seated on the chariot after the morning rites and taken in a grand procession to the Narayani temple. As evening falls, adorned with sandal paste during the Sandhya Dhupa, Durga Madhava returns in a palanquin to the Jagannath Temple, marking the culmination of the day’s spiritual grandeur.

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Everywhere, the sight is the same with devotees thronging in faith, the Goddess radiant in resplendent glory, and a palpable sense of unity in devotion. The celebrations stand as a reminder of Odisha’s rich spiritual heritage, where rituals and reverence weave together a tapestry of timeless tradition