The annual Durga Puja festivities concluded across Odisha on Friday with thousands of devotees bidding an emotional farewell to Goddess Durga through grand immersion processions held under elaborate security arrangements in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
From noon, major roads in both cities transformed into vibrant avenues filled with colourful lights, rhythmic beats, fireworks, and traditional dance performances as idols of the goddess were carried for immersion. The processions are expected to continue late into the night, marking the culmination of the five-day festival.
According to official sources, a total of 193 community Durga Pujas were organised in Bhubaneswar, while 160 pandals were set up in Cuttack. In line with restrictions on loud music and DJ systems, many puja committees embraced traditional instruments, cultural troupes, and folk performances to maintain festive spirit while adhering to noise control norms.
In the state capital, immersion processions were conducted in groups under the supervision of cultural organisations including the Bhubaneswar Bhasani Utsav Committee, Rajdhani Mandir Suraksha Bhasani Committee, Uttar Bhubaneswar Bhasani Committee, and Old Town Bhasani Committees. The processions followed four designated routes earmarked by the police to ensure smooth traffic flow and crowd management.
Cuttack, known for its silver filigree ornaments and heritage pandals, witnessed massive gatherings at immersion points such as College Chhak, Ranihat, Mangalabag, Buxibazar, Darghabazar, and Choudhury Bazar. Idols were carried to the historic Devigada Ghat, where the district administration constructed a temporary pond to facilitate eco-friendly immersion and prevent river pollution.
To ensure peaceful celebrations, the police deployed 122 platoons across sensitive areas, supplemented by CCTV and drone surveillance, bomb disposal units, and anti-terror squads. Special traffic restrictions were imposed for the day, with diversions along key routes to manage the flow of processions and vehicles.
In an environmentally conscious move, the administration set up multiple temporary ponds to curb water pollution. Bhubaneswar alone prepared five artificial ponds, though two were damaged due to heavy rainfall. “Repairs are being carried out on a war footing, and we are confident they will be ready on time,” said Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das.
For the first time, a dedicated 60-member police team named ‘CTC 60’ was deployed to monitor sound levels and take immediate action against any procession exceeding the 60-decibel limit.
Meanwhile, Fire Services and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) personnel were stationed at key immersion points to handle any emergency situations. Officials confirmed that the festivities were proceeding smoothly under the close watch of district administrations and law enforcement agencies.
The immersion marks the end of the state’s most celebrated festival season, blending devotion, discipline, and cultural grandeur across Odisha’s twin cities.