Celebrating art & devotion: OTV’s ‘Aama Sahi Medha’ honours Puja creativity

Adding a new dimension to the festive fervour of Dussehra, Odisha’s leading media giant Odisha Television Network (OTV) has organised the ‘Aama Sahi Medha’ competition this year, a creative initiative aimed at recognising and celebrating the best Puja pandals across the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

This is the first-ever edition of the contest, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The competition has drawn enthusiastic participation across 14 categories, reflecting the vibrant artistry, devotion, and community spirit of Durga Puja celebrations in Odisha.

From Cuttack, a total of 29 Puja committees have showcased their thematic creativity and traditional craftsmanship, while 14 Puja committees from Bhubaneswar have joined the cultural contest, bringing alive the festive spirit with elaborate décor, artistic idols, and innovative themes.

Also Read: OTV in Kolkata: West Bengal’s Durga Puja pandals dazzle with Rudrakshas, Operation Sindoor and Odia imprint

To ensure a transparent and fair selection process, two of Odisha’s most distinguished personalities, renowned painter Gajendra Sahu and internationally acclaimed sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik, have been appointed as judges. Both experts visited the participating Puja pandals in person, examining each one meticulously on various parameters, including artistic design, thematic presentation, lighting, community involvement, and cultural value.

Following the on-ground assessment, an independent jury committee reviewed all collected materials, including videos, photographs, and detailed notes from the judges. Taking into account the opinions of the experts along with votes from viewers, the final results will soon be announced.

The ‘Aama Sahi Medha’ competition not only honours the best artistic efforts but also aims to encourage creativity and community participation, adding yet another reason for celebration during this festive season.