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The nine-day Durga Puja, also observed as Shardiya Navratri, commenced on Monday, sweeping Odisha in devotional fervour. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, the festival begins with the Pratipada tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwina and concludes on the Dashami tithi.
Each day of the festival is devoted to a distinct form of the goddess. The first day saw devotees worshipping Maa Shailaputri, and communities performed Ghatasthapana, the ceremonial consecration of the sacred pot (ghat) that marks the formal start of Navratri rituals.
In Cuttack, traditional adornments added to the solemnity and colour of the occasion. Maa Chandi was presented in the Harachandi besha, while Gada Chandi appeared in the Rajarajeshwari besha, drawing large numbers of devotees for darshan and offerings.
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Temples and community pandals across the state organised special prayers, aartis and cultural programmes, as families and pilgrims gathered to seek the goddess’s blessings during the opening day of the nine-day festival.
The priest of the Gada Chandi Temple said that, in keeping with tradition, the goddess will be worshipped as the Nava Durga over the nine days of Navratri. Each day honours a distinct form:
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Day 1: Shailaputri
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Day 2: Brahmacharini
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Day 3: Chandraghanta
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Day 4: Kushmanda
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Day 5: Skandamata
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Day 6: Katyayani
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Day 7: Kalaratri
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Day 8: Mahagauri
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Day 9: Siddhidatri
Traditional Observances
On Monday, the Goddess adorned the Rajarajeshwari Besha. Rituals, including Surya Puja, Naba Shakti Puja, Mailama, Tadapa Lagi and others, were carried out before worshipping her in the Shailaputri form. The Goddess was bathed with holy water infused with turmeric, sandalwood and other sacred items, then she was applied with turmeric and decorated with conch shells.
Significance Of Shailaputri Worship
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The first day’s worship of Shailaputri form holds special significance, as it is believed that on this day, Goddess Durga resolved to slay Mahishasura. Devotees observe this day with faith and devotion, marking the beginning of the sacred Navratri celebrations.
