A month of devotion: Bhadrak city celebrates Lord Gajanana with faith, culture and creativity

Bhadrak city is steeped in devotion as the month-long worship of Lord Gajanana, the remover of obstacles, transforms the city into a vibrant spiritual and cultural hub. Every lane and street glows with illuminated gateways, melodious devotional songs, and intricately decorated mandaps, turning the city into a living canvas of faith, art, and festivity.

From the elderly to children, devotees are celebrating Lord Gajanana in his many revered forms, Budha Ganesh, Toka Ganesh, Pila Ganesh, Chhua Ganesh, and Kanchan Ganesh, each form telling its own story of tradition and belief.

At the old market area, Budha Ganesh stands as a timeless symbol of heritage. Worship here is believed to date back to the Mughal era, with the deity adorned in a new avatar each year, attracting thousands of devotees daily. 

“The puja has been going on for 500 to 600 years. Like every year, it is celebrated with the same age-old traditions. On 26 September, the Bhasani rituals (immersion ceremony) will take place, with arrangements for prasad sevan for more than a hundred devotees, alongside cultural activities like pala and daskatiya,” said Manoranjan Sahu.

Similarly, the invocation of Lord Gajanana has begun at the Baba Toka Ganesh mandap. The puja, which started in 1970, has featured a silver chariot since 1998. The chariot and ornaments are beautifully adorned with approximately 62 kilograms of silver. After the month-long celebration, Lord Gajanana will be given a ceremonial farewell, accompanied by a joyful gathering of friends and devotees.

Introduced in 1993, the Pila Ganesh Mandap offers a colourful glimpse of Rajasthan clay art and Medinipur tribal craftsmanship. 

“Our rituals have been ongoing for 33 years, and all the décor is inspired by tribal-style artistry, crafted by skilled artisans, and the way our committee has worked for the decorations, it will please the people" said Sanjeev Das. 

Meanwhile, the Kanchan Ganesh Mandap promotes sustainability by using eco-friendly materials like bamboo, ropes, and natural fibres.
This festival is more than devotion; it is a celebration of unity, cultural pride, and creativity, leaving Bhadrak glowing with faith and memories that linger until next year.