Cuttack, Sept 4: Preparations are in full swing in Cuttack for the upcoming Ganesh Puja, with several city-based clubs planning elaborate celebrations highlighting the city’s rich heritage, art and culture.
While some puja committees are focusing on grand idols, decorative arches and colourful lighting, others are planning attractions such as amusement zones, swings and special immersion processions.
Among the major attractions this year will be unique Ganesh idols at Nuapada Divya Jyoti Club and Choudhury Bazar Bapuji Club.
Ganeshji in Jagannath Avatar
The Nuapada Divya Jyoti Club is set to showcase Lord Ganesha in a distinctive Lord Jagannath-inspired form. The idol will feature a black face with round eyes, while Ganesha’s trunk will appear at the centre, flanked by two tusks. The idol will also be decorated with traditional ornaments and Jagannath-inspired unfinished hands.
The club, which has been organising Ganesh Puja for the past 32 years, has only 14 members but continues to celebrate the festival on a grand scale every year.
This year, a major attraction will be a 65-foot-high and 60-foot-wide replica of Delhi’s Akshardham Temple, being constructed by artisans from Kolkata. The 10-foot-tall Ganesh idol is being prepared by artisans from Godisahi.
The pandal will be decorated with flowers and colourful lights. For the immersion procession, Srikakulam band from Andhra Pradesh and Bombay-style drums are also being planned.
Ganesh Idol to Shine in Silver Ornaments
Another major attraction will be a Ganesh idol adorned entirely with silver ornaments at Mathasahi near Gopaljiu Lane in Choudhury Bazar.
Ganesh Puja has been celebrated at the club for several years, which now has around 550 members. The tradition of decorating the idol with silver ornaments began in 2019, with new ornaments being added every year.
The idol’s crown, trunk, necklaces and other ornaments have been crafted in silver. A decorative arch will also be erected in front of the puja mandap, while colourful lights and flowers will add to the festive ambience.
According to club members, the idol will remain at the mandap for around a month before being immersed following traditional rituals and offerings, including the customary ghanta preparation.
A special laddu bhog will be offered on Ganesh Puja day. The immersion procession is expected to feature a Brahmapur band along with traditional musical performances from Sambalpur and Balangir.
With unique idols, elaborate pandals and traditional musical performances lined up, Cuttack is preparing for a vibrant and grand Ganesh Puja celebration this year.
