Bhubaneswar: Durga Puja celebrations have gathered momentum across Odisha, with Maha Saptami rituals scheduled at community pandals on Saturday. Following Shashthi Puja and traditional ceremonies on Friday, puja committees have completed preparations to welcome devotees for the main worship rituals.
Decorative gates, elaborate lighting arrangements and beautifully designed pandals have transformed streets, markets and public spaces, particularly in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Devotees have started visiting puja venues to offer prayers to Goddess Durga and participate in the annual festivities.
Shashthi Puja and Belabarani Rituals
The traditional Durga Puja ceremonies began on Friday with Shashthi Puja, followed by the Belabarani ritual and the ceremonial invitation of Goddess Durga to the pandals.
Belabarani Puja is traditionally performed at the base of a bel tree. The tree is worshipped as part of the religious ceremonies, after which a sacred pot is brought to the puja mandap.
According to traditional beliefs associated with the ritual, Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Kali and Goddess Lakshmi reside in the bel tree. The ceremony forms an important part of the rituals preceding the main worship of Goddess Durga.
The ceremonies also included bringing holy water from rivers and painting the eyes of the idols. The ceremonial invitation of the Goddess marked the beginning of the traditional worship at community pandals.
Maha Saptami Rituals to Draw Devotees
Maha Saptami marks an important stage in the Durga Puja celebrations. On Saturday, the clay idols of Goddess Durga and the sacred pots will be installed at the pandals as regular worship begins.
Devotees are expected to visit decorated puja venues to offer prayers and seek the blessings of the Goddess. The rituals will be conducted according to the traditional practices followed by puja committees across Odisha.
The beginning of the regular worship also marks a significant phase of the festival, bringing religious ceremonies and community celebrations together.
Elaborate Decorations in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack
The festive atmosphere is particularly visible in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, where towering decorative gates and colourful lighting installations have been set up across streets, markets and public spaces.
Puja committees have worked to complete the decorations and arrangements for the arrival of devotees. The illuminated streets and elaborate pandals have added to the excitement surrounding the celebrations.
With the traditional rituals underway, devotees are visiting pandals with family members to offer prayers and experience the festive atmosphere.
Odisha Celebrates the Annual Festival of Goddess Durga
Durga Puja holds religious and cultural significance across Odisha, bringing together devotees, local communities and puja organisers. The ceremonies associated with Shashthi and Maha Saptami form an essential part of the traditional worship.
As the celebrations progress, pandals across the state are preparing to welcome more visitors for the upcoming rituals. The combination of religious observances, decorative displays and community participation continues to define the festive spirit of Durga Puja in Odisha.
