Bhubaneswar, Sept 8: With just a few days left for the much-awaited Sharadiya Durga Puja, the capital city is abuzz with activity as preparations reach their peak. Among the leading organisers, the Bomikhal Durga Puja Committee, one of the oldest in Bhubaneswar, is all set to celebrate its 62nd Durga Utsav with grandeur and innovation.

This year’s highlight will be a majestic replica of the Chinese Mayur Palace, set to be the centerpiece of the celebrations. The towering torana (entrance gate) will measure 80 feet in height and 120 feet in width, while the idol of Goddess Durga, along with its backdrop, will stand at an impressive 20 feet.

In a departure from tradition, the deity—who was earlier adorned with a 7 kg silver crown—will now be fully decorated in custom-crafted silver ornaments. For the first time, the accompanying deities will also be adorned in silver, promising to be a visual spectacle for devotees.

As part of its social awareness initiative, the committee has embraced a peacock-themed décor, aiming to promote the protection of India’s national bird. Images of peacocks will be prominently displayed on the torana to highlight this conservation message.

The budget for this year’s festivities has been pegged at ₹60 lakh. From Shashthi Tithi onwards, annaprasad and khichdi bhog will be offered to the goddess. On Ashtami, arrangements have been made to distribute prasad to over 4,000 devotees.

Cultural events will add to the festive fervour, with five days of bhajans and melody programs scheduled from Shashthi evening to Dashami. Traditional dance and music from Mayurbhanj and Brahmapur will also be featured during the Mela festival.

In terms of security, 12 CCTV cameras will monitor the Puja pandal and its vicinity, while 100 personnel from the Commissionerate Police will be deployed for crowd control and safety.

The Bamikhala Puja Committee will also participate in the Bhubaneswar Bhasani Utsav, marking the grand immersion of the idols and the culmination of the citywide celebrations.