Orphans? Day out during Puja in Cuttack

Cuttack: Altogether 12 inmates of an orphanage here went on a pandal-hopping to witness the glittering city draped in bridal attire for the annual festival of Durga puja this year.

Thanks to the Mahanagar Ekata Manch, these orphans, aged between 12 and 14 years, staying here ever since they lost their parents in the 1999 Super Cyclone had a chance to visit the puja pandals and enjoy the festive season.

"We decided to provide the inmates of the orphanage new dresses and other apparels including new inners to offer pujas so that they did not feel let down in front of other fortunate children of their age," said Manch Secretary Prasanna Nanda.

Wearing new dresses, belts, caps and shoes, Pintu, Simran, Amran and others were also overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality of the puja committee members had in store for them.

"I had never witnessed Durga Puja in Cuttack city," said Pintu Pradhan, youngest inmate of the orphanage sporting a wide smile.