Cuttack, Oct 16: The Chaudhury Bazaar Durga Puja Committee, which began celebrating Sharadiya Durga Puja in 1872, is observing its 154th year of the festival this year. The puja mandap is known for its distinctive gold and silver ornaments, including the deity’s jewellery and the iconic silver tableau.

The committee created history in 1956 by introducing the first silver tableau in Cuttack city. Over the years, it has continued to enhance the ornaments used for the Goddess and the accompanying deities.

In 1993, a gold crown was made for Maa Durga, followed by gold crowns and jewellery for the accompanying deities in 2002. In 2005, the committee added a gold chudahaar for the Goddess and four gold floral motifs to the silver tableau.

Gold necklaces were made for Maa Lakshmi and Maa Saraswati in 2008. In 2024, two more gold motifs were added to the tableau, taking the total to 11. The committee is planning to add another two gold motifs next year.

Dahi Pakhala for 10,000 Devotees

On Dashami, the committee plans to serve dahi pakhala as prasad to around 10,000 devotees. The traditional jahnipoda bhoga will also be offered to the Goddess. Distinguished guests will be invited to the mandap.

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For this year’s immersion procession, the committee is planning to bring a renowned band and a popular traditional musical group from Balangir.

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However, the committee said it has been unable to install a decorative or LED welcome arch in front of the mandap because several other puja tableaux pass through the stretch during immersion.

Committee Working President Debashish Ray and Chief Adviser Maheswar Behera shared details of the arrangements.

Apart from Durga Puja, the committee also organises Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja and Kartikeswar Puja.