Bhubaneswar, Sept 9: Sahid Nagar is abuzz with excitement as the annual Dussehra festival approaches. Various puja committees are working tirelessly day and night to design and construct unique decorative arches, or torans, to welcome the Goddess. The festival, now in its 48th year, promises to offer a distinct experience to the residents of the capital city.

This year, the Sahid Nagar Puja Committee is unveiling a creatively designed toran that stands 85 feet tall and 130 feet wide. Crafted by 50 skilled artisans from Bengal, who have been working since Janmashtami, the toran is set to be pollution-free and environmentally friendly. The stage height will be 18 feet, built by craftsmen from Cuttack.

A highlight of this year’s festivities is the silver tableau (chandi medha) for the Goddess, adorned with over one and a half quintals of silver. This elaborate decoration will enhance the darshan experience for devotees, who eagerly await the festival every year. The Sahid Nagar Puja Committee continues to uphold the traditional rituals of worship that have been followed since the festival’s inception.

In response to previous crowd management challenges, this year’s toran design allows devotees easier access for viewing the Goddess. Prasadam distribution arrangements have been made for all four days of the puja, including special offerings such as manda pitha, chuda ghasa, khiri, and dahi-pakhala bhog on the tenth day. The puja will officially commence on Shashti (the sixth day), with prasadam served to approximately 1,500 people daily.

For security, nearly 100 CCTV and AI cameras will be installed across the puja premises. Additionally, 100 male and female volunteers, along with security guards, will be deployed to ensure the safety of the devotees. Traditional musical instruments like madal, singhbaja, shankhua, and panchavi will accompany the ceremonies, with artists playing a key role in preserving the cultural heritage of the festival.

As the festival draws near, the city gears up to celebrate with devotion, grandeur, and meticulous planning.