Bhubaneswar, Oct 12: A grand 90-foot-high arch inspired by a Swaminarayan temple in the United States will be the major attraction at the Kalinga Durga Puja organised by the Daruthenga Kalinga Durga Puja Committee on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar this year.

The committee is entering its fourth year of Durga Puja celebrations, with preparations underway at the designated puja venue near KIIT. Artisans have been working on the decorations for more than 25 days to give the venue a grand festive appearance.

The temple-inspired arch is being constructed by artisans from Kolkata and is expected to draw large numbers of devotees and visitors.

The committee has earmarked a budget of around ₹60 lakh for this year's celebrations, with the elaborate entrance structure forming a key part of the arrangements.

A 20-foot-tall clay idol of Maa Durga is being prepared for the puja.

The celebrations will also feature a grand Ravan Podi programme, which has become a major attraction at the venue. An 80-foot effigy of Ravana will be set ablaze, followed by a fireworks display.

The committee has planned cultural programmes every evening from Saptami to Dashami.

Artists from Odisha and other parts of the country will perform dance and other cultural presentations, adding to the festive atmosphere.

A Meena Bazaar and amusement rides will also be set up for visitors, particularly children and families attending the celebrations.

Special arrangements will be made to serve prasad to around 10,000 devotees during the celebrations on Ashtami, Navami and Dashami.

The initiative is intended to ensure that devotees can participate in the religious festivities and receive prasad as part of the traditional observance.

The committee has planned elaborate arrangements for crowd management and security.

CCTV cameras will be installed at the venue, while around 200 volunteers, along with police personnel, will remain present to manage crowds and maintain order.

The arrangements will include queue-based darshan and special facilities for persons with disabilities to make the visit more convenient for devotees.

With its 90-foot temple-inspired arch, 20-foot Durga idol, 80-foot Ravan Podi, cultural performances and large-scale prasad arrangements, the fourth-year Kalinga Durga Puja at Daruthenga is expected to emerge as a prominent attraction during the festive season in the Bhubaneswar region.