The state of Odisha is basking in the vibrant and fervent atmosphere of Durga Puja celebrations. Across the region, people are joining in the festivities with great enthusiasm, celebrating not only with religious devotion but also through various cultural expressions, dance, music, and communal feasting. Many individuals also observe fasts as a mark of their reverence for Goddess Durga.
Dussehra celebrations reached a crescendo as Mahashtami was celebrated with gusto in numerous temples and pandals throughout the state. Beyond the spiritual fervor, the people of Odisha embraced dance, music, and sumptuous feasts as part of their festivities. In addition, many chose to observe fasts as a gesture of devotion to Goddess Durga.
In Mayurbhanj, a unique and heartwarming tradition known as ‘Dansaye’ was observed by Santhal tribal groups during Dussehra. Accompanied by song and music, this traditional dance form created a distinctive atmosphere. The Santhal communities of Mayurbhanj have their unique way of worshipping Devi Durga through the ‘Dansaye,’ which extends from Sasthi to the end of Dasami. People from rural pockets of the district gather in Baripada to perform this special dance dedicated to the goddess.
In the coal mining areas of Angul and Talcher, a wave of festive spirit swept over the region, with enthusiastic crowds flocking to the puja mandaps situated across the collieries. The coal employees, in particular, had extra cause for celebration this year, as they received an impressive puja bonus of Rs 85,000 each. Sarat Pradhan, a coal worker at Deulbera, shared his excitement, saying, “We are elated that the central government has granted us the highest-ever puja bonus of Rs 85,000 per head, including contract workers in the collieries. Overall, the atmosphere in the coal mines area and its colonies is brimming with joy and happiness.”
Puja mandaps were established in Deulbera, Lingaraj, Dera South Balanda, Bharatpur, and Nandira coal township areas. Notably, the idols at Deulbera and Dera were expertly crafted by artists from states outside Odisha. The city of Rourkela also embraced the festive spirit on Ashtami, attracting an enthusiastic crowd of pandal hoppers to its vibrant puja venues.
To ensure the safety and peaceful celebration of the festival, Rourkela’s police force implemented extensive security measures. Rourkela SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra disclosed that 24 platoons of police forces, in addition to over 400 home guards, have been deployed at the puja venues and key road intersections to enhance crowd and traffic management. Prominent puja venues were equipped with surveillance cameras and ample lighting around the pandals to enhance security and monitoring.
In Jagatsinghpur, Durga Puja was celebrated with a unique twist in the villages and hamlets of Gopinathpur panchayat, under Biridi block. This festival not only revolves around the worship of Goddess Durga but also incorporates the reverence of Lord Ram, Krishna, Sita, Lord Jagannath, Lord Hanuman, Sai Baba, and various other deities.
Close to 30 puja pandals were erected in the villages, with each dedicated to the worship of different deities. For instance, the villagers of Balia paid homage to Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Sita, while those of Akhadashai hamlet revered Lord Jagannath. Villagers from Sundishai worshipped Lord Hanuman, and residents of Machishai set up a Sai Baba pandal. Other villages, such as Tamil Sahi, Akhadashai, Mahajan Sahi, and Sialshai, also had their unique and colorful celebrations.
Prasanta Patnaik