Cuttack, Oct 18: Cuttack’s historic Alisha Bazar Durga Puja Committee is introducing a unique attraction this year, combining environmental awareness with its rich festive traditions. Known for its exquisite silver tableau, lighting decorations and distinctive fish bhog, the committee is creating a special ‘Jungle View’ installation for Durga Puja 2026.

For the first time, a forest-like environment is being developed over approximately 2,000 square feet near the Hanuman Temple pond at Kathajodi under Alisha Bazar. The initiative aims to spread awareness about environmental conservation and forest protection.

Interestingly, no professional artisans or craftsmen have been engaged for the installation. Young members of the locality are creating the forest setting using discarded and low-cost materials, including gunny bags, ropes, straw, bamboo strips and paint.

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The installation will also showcase the history of Alisha Bazar Durga Puja, its memorable participation at Pragati Maidan in Delhi in 2000, and the committee’s distinctive fish bhog tradition.

Fish bhog will remain a major attraction, with arrangements being made to serve around 5,000 people on Maha Navami. The market area is also being decorated with elaborate lighting, with illuminated arrangements planned from the entrance to the exit.

During the immersion procession, the Goddess will be given a traditional farewell accompanied by a Berhampur band and traditional hand-held musical instruments.

According to committee president Sukesh Behera and secretary Rakesh Chandra Behera, the preparations are aimed at making this year’s celebrations more memorable.

Alisha Bazar has been organising its community Durga Puja for around 118 years. In 2000, the locality became part of the silver tableau club. Its approximately 350-kg silver tableau features intricate Tarakasi craftsmanship and was displayed at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi that year as the only silver tableau from Cuttack at the exhibition.