Bhubaneswar: It is that time of the year when people in Odisha are dipped in spirituality to welcome Devi Durga. On the occasion of ‘Maha Sashthi’ today, the ‘bilwa barana’ rituals were performed at puja pandals across Odisha.
As official sources, special arrangements have been made by puja organisers in the Twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to invoke goddess Durga. This year, the festival is being observed in 172 pandals in Bhubaneswar and 162 mandaps in Cuttack.
Gigantic theme based pandals have come up at several places in Bhubaneswar including Rasulgarh, Nayapalli, Jharpada, Bomikhal, and Saheed Nagar being the prominent ones among others.
The millennium city of Cuttack too is not far behind as far as Durga puja celebrations are concerned. The centres of attraction in Cuttack are the silver and gold tableaux with intricate filigree work that add special charm to the festivities.
“Special aid posts have been set up along with control rooms. Arrangements have been made to avert any untoward incident,” said Police Commissioner, Sudhanshu Sarangi.
Meanwhile, Maha Saptami rituals were conducted at several Shakti Pithas in Odisha today. The Maha Saptami puja of Goddess Bimala at Puri Srimandir was also held as per tradition today. Special rituals and Chandi Pathas were conducted at Charchika Pitha in Banki today and Maha Asthami rituals will be conducted tomorrow.