Rain may spoil Durga Puja festivity

Bhubaneswar: Rain may play spoil sport during the five-day Durga Puja celebrations as showers are predicted till October 10 across Odisha. According to the regional meteorological department, the current rain fall is on account of a cyclonic circulation formation over North Bay of Bengal.

Similar rains will continue till October 9 in Coastal and interior parts of Odisha, while increased rainfall is expected on October 10 in northern parts of the State.

"As per the forecast in the coming 24 hours most places of Odisha will receive rainfall along with heavy rainfall in one or two places in interior parts of the State. Our model indicates that the rainfall will continue till October 10," said regional director of IMD, Bhubaneswar, Sarat Chandra Sahu.

The Sasthi Puja (6^th day ritual of the 10-day festival) which marks the beginning of the Durga Puja at the pandals was visibly affected by the sudden spells of rain.