Bhubaneswar, Oct 12: Preparations are in full swing for the Har-Parvati Puja organised by Badagada Netaji Yubak Sangha as the association celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking its Golden Jubilee year.

To make this year’s celebrations special, the organisers have planned several attractions. The idols of Lord Shiva (Har), Goddess Parvati, Lord Kartikeya and Lord Ganesha will feature intricate gold and silver filigree work, Netaji Yubak Sangha president Santosh Singh announced at a press conference.

According to senior residents of Badagada village and members of the association, artisans from Medinipur in West Bengal are constructing the main entrance arch, inspired by the architecture of the Sai Temple in Namchi, Sikkim.

Idol artist Hemanta Muduli from Gurudijhatia in Cuttack district is working on the idols of Har and Parvati, with a focus on detailed craftsmanship.

Adding to the festive decorations, this year’s celebrations will feature a new 60-foot-high illuminated entrance gate along with 12 decorative light arches.

Five days of cultural programmes and felicitations

A series of colourful programmes will be organised from October 17 to 21 as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Individuals who have earned recognition in fields such as art, education, sports, social service, law and order, and journalism will be felicitated for their contributions.

The organisers will also provide financial assistance to students who secure the highest marks in the Class 10 examinations, encouraging academic excellence among young achievers.

Several prominent personalities attended the press conference, including chief adviser and Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, former Netaji Yubak Sangha president Nabakishore Singh, Badagada village elder Prashant Jena, educationist Pratap Jena, senior journalist Dilip Hali, former corporators Ashok Singh and Krushnachandra Jena, and Manas Das and Brundaban Behera.

Corporator and Netaji Yubak Sangha president Santosh Singh, Ajit Behera, Prakash Kumar Singh, Badagada Ganesh Mahotsav Committee president Sangram Martha, Nibas Kumar Singh, Sumanta Lenka, Smruti Biswal, Deepak Behera and Bibhuti Behera were also present.

With grand decorations, traditional artistry, cultural programmes and recognition of achievers, the Golden Jubilee celebrations of BadagadaNetaji Yubak Sangha are set to bring together devotion, culture and community service.