Dussehra Fest: Mahashtami in Temples, Mahasaptami In Mandaps Today

Bhubaneswar, Oct 10: Happiness is marked everywhere in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar today as Mahashtami and Saptami Puja of Maa Durga are being conducted at Pithas and Mandaps, respectively.

Mahasthami Puja is being celebrated at all Goddess temples, including Maa Katakachandi and Maa Gadachandi in Cuttack City; Maa Bimala in Shreemandir, Puri; Maa Mangala at Kakatpur; Maa Bijraja at Jajpur; Maa Sarala in Jagatsinghpur and Maa Charchika at Banki.

Saptami Puja is being conducted at Mandaps (Temporary Puja Platforms) across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. A Beautiful Toran (Gate) has been elected at each Mandap. The glittering Torans, food stalls, and Meena Bazaar attract devotees most in the evening hours.

Security and traffic arrangements have been beefed up across the two cities as a heavy rush of devotees is expected in the next four days till Bhashani Utsav (immersion festival).