Ganesh Chaturthi, which marks the beginning of the festive season in Odisha, is being celebrated with pomp and gaiety and much enthusiasm across the State.
Held on the fourth day of the Sukla Pakshya in the Odia month of Bhadraba, popular festival Ganesh Puja is celebrated by people from all walks of life in the State.
Educational institutions in the State have been beautifully decorated to mark this special day. Thousands of splendid puja pandals have been set up all over the state, creating a joyful atmosphere.
The Millennium City of Cuttack is in a festive fervour for the special occasion. Thirty one-feet Ganesh idol is being worshipped at Gymial Club in Nuapada which happens to be the tallest Ganesh idol in the city this year.
“As the club has been worshipping Lord Ganesh since the last thirty years, a one-feet Ganesh idol has been constructed this year. The idol has been constructed both in Mumbai and Odisha styles. Artisans have been preparing this idol for the last one and a half months. Final touches were given only yesterday,” said a senior member of the club.
“Our main thrust will be on following all the rituals sincerely during the puja this year,” said another member of the club.
Similarly, ‘Agrapujya’ Ganesh is being worshipped with much enthusiasm in various schools and colleges of Jeypore.
“We are so much joyful to offer our worship to Lord Ganesh on the special occasion. Pushpanjali will be offered to Lord Ganesh now and we are fully ready for the special ritual,” said a student of Saraswati Vidya Mandir in the city.
Some pandals stood out due to their unique idols and attractive decorations with vibrant lights and creative materials in Bhubaneswar adding to the festive spirit. People in large numbers are visiting these mandaps to take part in the puja rituals.
Over 100 idols of Lord Ganesh have been installed in Talcher. Celebrations have already begun in Berhampur and people in large numbers are flocking to various pandals to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesh.
Moreover, idols of Lord Ganesh have been welcomed with processions in many parts of the State.
Apart from the traditional rituals, cultural events are being organised at various pandals to entertain the devotees of Lord Ganesh.
Besides, grand pandals in the cities and educational institutions, Ganesh Puja is being celebrated in almost every household across the State. People from all walks of life are worshipping ‘Bighna Binashaka’ Lord Ganesh to seek His blessings for good health, wealth and prosperity.