Golden Goddess, silver thrones: Odisha’s Twin Cities shine bright this Durga Puja

The twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar are shimmering in divine splendour this Durga Puja, as glittering gold and silver decorations transform the festive landscape into a spectacle of devotion and opulence. From kilos to quintals, the grandeur of the idols and pandals has left devotees awestruck.

CUTTACK: THE CITY OF SILVER MEDHAS SHINES IN GOLD

Known for its centuries-old tradition of ‘Chandi Medhas’ (silver backdrops), Cuttack continues to uphold its legacy with new heights of artistry and devotion.

At the Chaudhury Bazar Puja Mandap, the idol of Goddess Durga gleams in 30 kilograms of gold and 2.5 quintals of silver. From intricately carved crowns to dazzling necklaces and bangles, every ornament reflects the city’s exquisite craftsmanship.

“While the ‘Chandi Medha’ trend is growing, we aim to gradually convert our ‘medha’ to gold,” said Sibadas Purnachandra Singh, Secretary, Chaudhury Bazar Puja Committee.

The Ranihat Puja Pandal stands tall, with a 27-foot silver backdrop crafted from 5.5 quintals of silver, making it the tallest and heaviest of its kind in the city. At Shekh Bazar, the crown of the Goddess alone weighs 3.5 kilograms of gold, while the side deities’ ornaments together account for 7.5 kilograms.

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“Our golden crown is the second largest in Cuttack. We plan to gradually make more ornaments in gold,” shared Dilip Narayan Gutu, Treasurer, Shekh Bazar Puja Committee. The Mangalabag Puja Mandap is equally resplendent, with 12.5 kilograms of gold used for six crowns and three quintals of silver adorning the backdrop.

“We began converting our ‘medha’ to gold last year, and the transformation continues,” said Nrusingha Choudhury, President, Mangalabag Puja Committee.

BHUBANESWAR: THE CAPITAL EMBRACES THE GLITTERING TRADITION

While Cuttack retains its reputation as the cultural capital of silver filigree, Bhubaneswar is fast catching up, blending modern aesthetics with divine grandeur.

At the Shahid Nagar Puja Mandap, the idol of Maa Durga is decked with a complete gold crown, a majestic necklace, and matching ornaments totaling 2.5 kilograms of gold. The throne, made of three quintals of silver, adds a regal touch.

“We’ve used 2.5 quintals of silver and 2.5 kilograms of gold. Work is underway to convert more crowns to gold,” said Saroj Kumar Patra, Executive President, Shahid Nagar Puja Committee.

In Jharapada, the Puja Committee has adorned Maa Durga, Goddess Laxmi, and Goddess Saraswati with gold crowns, using 6.5 kilograms of gold and 20–22 kilograms of silver.

“For the first time, our idols wear gold crowns, symbolising prosperity and faith,” said a committee member.

At Old Station Market, Maa Durga’s jewellery features 1 kilogram of gold, while her silver throne, crafted from 124 kilograms of silver, has become a major crowd-puller.

With every glimmering ornament and radiant idol, Odisha’s twin cities celebrate not just faith, but a timeless tradition of artistry, where devotion meets grandeur.