Bhubaneswar, Oct 2: Durga Puja in Bhubaneswar is more than just a festival, it is a celebration of art, culture, and devotion. Every year, pandals compete to stand out with magnificent themes, transforming the city into a vibrant spectacle. In 2025, committees are all set to outshine their past creations, with unique concepts and eco-friendly decorations taking centre stage.
Bomikhal: A Glimpse of Ramoji Film City
The Bomikhal Durga Puja Samiti, celebrating its 62nd year, prepares one of the city’s biggest attractions with a replica of Ramoji Film City. Visitors enter through a 70-foot-high, 110-foot-wide peacock-shaped arch before stepping into a mandap modelled on the Mahabharat shooting set in Hyderabad. Inside, the theme recreates the grandeur of Shri Krishna Darbar.
Around 40 artisans from Kolkata are working day and night on the arch, while Cuttack artisans are creating an 18-foot clay idol of Maa Durga with her lion. Vice-president Bunty Jena says, “We are focusing on hassle-free darshan and security arrangements. Nearly 100 volunteers, 50 security personnel, and police are involved, while 40 CCTV cameras monitor the crowd. Prasad Sevan is arranged for nearly 5,000 devotees.”
Nayapalli: Kuchipudi Dance-Form Arch
In its 38th year, the Nayapalli Durga Puja Samiti unveils an arch inspired by the Kuchipudi dance form, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage. Standing nearly 75 feet high and 120 feet wide, the structure costs about ₹80 lakh. Sculptor Shakti Dada from West Bengal leads the idol-making, with Maa Durga’s clay idol rising 16 feet.
Committee head Prakash Chandra Behera says, “Forty artisans are engaged in building the mandap, which features four gates and a grand lighting system. A meena bazaar with 120 stalls will entertain visitors. For security, 70 CCTV cameras and large LED screens will broadcast events live. Over 200 volunteers and SHG groups are assisting in the arrangements.”
Rasulgarh: Uttarakhand Mountain Temple Theme
The Rasulgarh Puja Committee, marking its 33rd year, prepares a pandal themed around a Durga temple in the mountains of Uttarakhand. Measuring 120 feet long and 85 feet wide, the mandap is surrounded by plants, paddy, and grass to reflect a natural setting.
Committee member Shridhar Dholar Singh says, “We are keeping everything natural to highlight harmony with nature. About 45 artisans are working on the project, and 40 CCTV cameras ensure security.”
Saheed Nagar: Youth-Inspired Pandal with AI Security
The Shaheed Nagar Puja Samiti, in its 48th year, unveils a youth-centric theme that organisers claim is the first of its kind in India. Forty artisans are engaged in the design, which began on Janmashtami. For security, the committee installs 20–25 CCTV cameras and introduces AI cameras for the first time.
Secretary Sachinandan Nayak says, “This year, the pandal reflects the choices of today’s youth. We are ensuring the same devotion in worship but with modern themes and technology.”
Station Bazaar: Ashta Bhairav Meets Maa Shakti
At Station Bazaar, the 70th year of celebrations highlights Ashta Bhairav on the outer façade, while the inside symbolically represents Maa Shakti. The mandap, crafted mainly from plaster of Paris, ply, and cloth, is shaped under the guidance of artisan Subash Chandra Behera and his team of 40 workers.
Behera says, “The Ashta Bhairav theme outside reflects divine power, while inside, Maa Shakti’s energy comes alive through detailed artistry.”
