Bhubaneswar, Sept 24: The Brushabhadra Cultural Council of Banamalipur will celebrate its 51st Sharadiya Durga Puja this year, with preparations underway under the leadership of president Chandramani Patra.
At a recent meeting, the committee decided to continue the tradition of installing a grand idol along with idols of accompanying deities. The puja mandap and surrounding areas will be illuminated with decorative lights and a towering entrance gate.
Several sub-committees have been formed to ensure the smooth and disciplined conduct of the celebrations. A range of cultural programmes will be organised throughout the festival, including bhajan performances by renowned singers, spiritual discourses and melody programmes. This year, the committee has decided to replace the drama competition with a special bhajan programme.
A special attraction will be the Sandhi Puja on Maha Ashtami, during which more than 300 lamps will reportedly be lit. Various arrangements will also be made for devotees on Navami.
Security Arrangements
Keeping the expected crowd in mind, the committee will make extensive security arrangements. CCTV cameras will be installed at the puja mandap and Mela ground, while a security coordination team comprising Banamalipur police and puja committee members will monitor the celebrations.
Separate arrangements will also be made for men and women. Volunteers have been assigned specific responsibilities, with team leaders coordinating their respective groups under the direction of the committee president.
One of the major attractions of the festival will be the traditional Durga idol immersion procession, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances.
The committee said people from all communities, irrespective of caste, religion or social background, will be welcomed to participate in the celebrations.
According to the organisers, Banamalipur has been celebrating Sharadiya Durga Puja for around five decades. The festival has become an important platform for the local community to come together and participate in cultural and traditional activities.
