Durga Puja 2025: Undeterred devotees continue visiting pandals drenched but smiling

Even as torrential rain drenched Odisha on Navami, the festive fervour of Durga Puja remained undimmed. What began as a bright and cheerful morning turned grey by afternoon, as dark clouds swept across the skies, unleashing sudden downpours and gusty winds. 

Yet, rain could not dampen the devotion of thousands who stepped out to seek the blessings of Maa Durga.

Showers Disrupt, But Not Devotion

Across several cities, the heavy showers disrupted puja festivities. In Cuttack, strong winds toppled a towering light gate near College Square, though no casualties were reported. In Rajabagicha, a portion of a pandal roof collapsed, injuring three devotees who were promptly rushed to hospital.

Elsewhere in Bhubaneswar and Khurda, intense rainfall caused waterlogging and traffic congestion, forcing organisers to scramble for cover. Yet, undeterred devotees continued visiting pandals drenched but smiling, eager to catch a glimpse of the Goddess in all her splendour.

Braving the rain, one devotee said,

“We don’t care about the rain. This isn’t the first time. Whenever it rains, we still visit pandals to worship Maa Durga. Be it lightning or thunder, Maa Durga will protect us. With that faith, we have come here.” One devotee said.

Also Read: Vibrant Maha Navami rituals bring Odisha’s Durga Puja pandals alive with devotion

IMD Issues Red Alert

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the downpour is linked to a well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, which has intensified into a deep depression. The system is expected to cross the Odisha-Andhra coast on October 3, bringing widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall till October 6.

A red alert has been issued for Puri and Jagatsinghpur, while orange and yellow warnings remain for several other districts. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea due to rough conditions.

Spirit Over Storm

As showers washed over pandals and streets, Odisha’s devotees proved that faith shines brighter than any cloud. Rain or not, Maa Durga’s blessings remained the heart of the celebration, a testament to devotion that no storm can silence.