Cuttack gears up for Durga Puja: Khan Nagar to showcase ‘Operation Sindoor’ theme gate

The millennium city of Cuttack is witnessing heightened activity as preparations for Durga Puja gather pace. From gigantic thematic gates to idols taking shape in clay, puja committees are racing against time to be ready for the festival.

This year, the Khannagar Puja Committee is constructing a massive tableau-style gate, 55 feet high and 60 feet long, on the theme of ‘Operation Sindoor’. The bamboo framework is already in place, with artisans working day and night to complete the structure before Shashthi.

“We are constructing the gate with the ‘Operation Sindoor’ theme. We, 15-20 people, are working day and night to meet the deadline,” said Sukadeb, an artisan.

“Every year, we build gates on different themes. This year, we are coming up with the ‘Operation Sindoor’ theme. The puja budget for this year is Rs 20 lakh,” said Prafulla Sahoo, general secretary of Khan Nagar puja committee.

Across the city, other puja mandaps too are busy creating innovative gates, with several committees beginning construction work after receiving approval from the Orissa High Court. The court has allowed six puja committees to build super-high gates this year.

Meanwhile, idol-making is progressing in different mandaps. Artisans have completed ‘nada bandha’ (tying of straw) and applied the first and second clay layers on the idols of Goddess Durga and her accompanying deities. 

Intermittent rains have delayed drying, but the work is continuing steadily. Once dry, the idols will be polished with khadi, painted, and finally draped in sarees and adorned with ornaments. In some mandaps, traditional silver ornaments are also being cleaned and polished ahead of the festival.

“The ‘nada bandha’ (tying of straw) has been done. First and second clay layers on the idols of Goddess Durga have been applied. Intermittent rains have delayed drying, but the work is continuing steadily,” said Suresh Behera, an artisan.

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With less than 15 days to go, the festive spirit is already palpable in Silver City, as Cuttack prepares to welcome the Goddess in grandeur.