Durga Puja / Maha Navami Rituals Underway at Shaktipeeths in Odisha; Puja Pandals Celebrate Maha Ashtami

Bhubaneswar, Oct 19: Odisha is immersed in the festive spirit of Durga Puja, with Shaktipeeths observing Mahanavami and puja pandals celebrating Maha Ashtami on Monday. The air resonates with Vedic chants, the sounds of traditional musical instruments and devotional hymns as devotees gather in large numbers to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga.

Special rituals and traditional ceremonies are underway at prominent Shaktipeeths across the state.

Temples dedicated to Maa Biraja in Jajpur, Maa Mangala in Kakatpur, Maa Charchika in Banki and Maa Sarala in Jagatsinghpur are observing Mahanavami with special religious rituals.

The festivities have spread from villages to cities, with major Shaktipeeths conducting elaborate worship according to traditional customs, including the 'Shodasha Upachara' rituals. The sound of bells, gongs, kahalis and ululation has added to the devotional atmosphere.

Themed Puja Pandals Draw Crowds in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar’s Durga Puja pandals are attracting visitors with elaborate designs inspired by iconic architectural landmarks from India and abroad.

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At the Rasulgarh Durga Puja pandal, organisers have created a replica of Vatican City in Rome at an estimated cost of Rs 80 lakh. The structure stands 80 feet tall and spans 140 feet in width, offering visitors an architectural spectacle reminiscent of the famous city-state.

The Saheed Nagar Durga Puja Samiti has built its pandal at an estimated cost of Rs 40 lakh, incorporating elements of Odia tradition. The 80-foot-tall and 120-foot-wide structure features a crown of the Goddess and a silver backdrop as its major attractions.


At Palasuni, the Durga Puja Samiti has created an imposing pandal inspired by Rajasthan’s iconic Hawa Mahal. The structure has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 40 lakh.


Meanwhile, the Bamikhala Durga Puja Samiti has erected a pandal modelled on Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, with a reported budget of around Rs 70 lakh.

With grand pandals, intricate decorations, dazzling illumination and elaborate arrangements, Bhubaneswar has taken on a festive appearance, adding to the appeal of this year’s Durga Puja celebrations.