Saptami fervour grips city as theme pandals draw crowds

Bhubaneswar: Durga Puja pandals with innovative themes, dazzling illumination, cultural programmes and food stalls emerged as major crowd-pullers on Mahasaptami, which was marked by special rituals across the state.At Damana Durga Puja Committee in Bhubaneswar, devotees participated in a Kalash Yatra, in which 108 women carried holy water in earthen pots to ceremonially welcome Goddess Durga, said Nishakar Sahoo, president of Damana Durga Puja Committee.This year, theme-based pandals have become the centrepiece of celebrations in Bhubaneswar. Puja committees have recreated iconic landmarks and spiritual destinations, offering visitors a unique blend of art, culture and devotion. From futuristic architectural inspirations based on Dubai’s skyline at Bomikhal to Odia pride shown at Saheed Nagar, the themes reflect both global influences and local cultural inspirations.Several pandals are also showcasing religious heritage and architectural grandeur. One committee has recreated elements of Uttarakhand’s 'Char Dham’ pilgrimage, while another has drawn inspiration from an ancient Shiva temple in Cambodia.In Cuttack, traditional silver filigree tableaux, popularly known as Chandi Medha, continue to be a major attraction. Puja organisers have invested heavily in decoration and lighting in a bid to make this year's festivities more spectacular than ever.More than 350 Durga Pujas are being organised across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack this year. Apart from the rituals, several pandals are hosting bhajan performances, dramas, dance programmes and musical evenings, transforming the puja venues into vibrant cultural hubs.The festive atmosphere extends beyond the twin cities, with grand celebrations taking place in Berhampur, Puri, Balasore, Rourkela and Sambalpur. Devotees are also visiting renowned Shakti shrines, including Tara Tarini, Biraja and Bimala temples, where special rituals are being performed.Anticipating massive crowds, the commissionerate police, meanwhile, have made extensive security arrangements to ensure the smooth movement of devotees and maintain law and order. Volunteers and police personnel have been stationed at key locations to manage traffic and crowd flow.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bhubaneswar | Silver Rate in Bhubaneswar | Bank Holidays in Bhubaneswar | Public Holidays in Bhubaneswar | Petrol Price in Bhubaneswar | Diesel Price in Bhubaneswar | CNG Price in Bhubaneswar | LPG Price in BhubaneswarStay updated with the latest Bhubaneswar news. Download the TOI App.