Bhubaneswar Durga Puja 2024: Dubai's Miracle Garden at Damana

Bhubaneswar, Oct 1: As the vibrant festival of Durga Puja approaches, preparations are in full swing in Damana, where artisans are crafting a grand entrance for the much-anticipated celebration. In just a few days, devotees will be welcomed into the majestic "Miracle Garden," of Dubai in Odisha- a stunning spectacle that promises to dazzle with optical illusions and a rich display of fiber, glass, and colorful flowers.

Durga Puja 2024: Get all updated News, Videos and Photos of Durga Puja

A team of 22 skilled artisans from West Bengal is crafting the entrance, which will stand 70 feet high and 110 feet wide. No chemical colors will be used; instead, the decorations will rely entirely on natural and biodegradable materials, creating a vibrant and eco-friendly atmosphere.

This year marks the 13th anniversary of the Durga Puja Committee of Damana, which has allocated a substantial budget of Rs 44 lakhs for the festivities. Around Rs 22 lakhs will be spent solely on the entrance. The idol of the goddess, made of clay, will be 14 feet tall, accompanied by a 16-foot high platform.

On the sixth day, after the special ritual on the sixth day, the women will bring holy water from the Alekh Mahima Ashram's Pond for the idol's bathing ritual on the seventh day. The ninth day will feature the worship of 21 young girls and the lighting of 108 lamps, while prasad will be distributed, including ‘Charu anna’ on the ninth day, and ‘dahi pakhal’ and ‘sag’ on the tenth day.

Also Read: Navratri 2024: Here is where you can go for Dandiya Nights in Bhubaneswar

Adding to the festive atmosphere, a ‘Meena Bazaar’ will be set up at the venue. To ensure safety, 200 volunteers will be deployed for crowd management, and the area will be monitored with CCTV and fire safety measures.

Traditional music and devotional chants will accompany the celebrations, as the committee promises a heartfelt and spirited event.