Bhubaneswar, Oct 1: The capital city is gearing up for the grand Sharadiya festival, with artisans busy giving shape to colourful pandals and elaborate decorations across different parts of the city.

Joining the celebrations is the Bomikhal Durga Puja Samiti, one of Bhubaneswar’s oldest puja committees, which is making elaborate preparations for its 63rd Durga Puja this year.

The main attraction will be a replica of Dubai city, which will be showcased as the pandal. The structure is planned to be around 80 feet high and 110 feet wide, while the idol along with the backdrop will stand around 20 feet high.

Goddess Durga will be adorned with a 7-kg silver crown along with other silver ornaments. The idols of the accompanying deities will also be decorated with silver jewellery this year.

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Peacock Conservation Message

Along with the festive decorations, the committee is also planning to spread awareness about peacock conservation. Images of the national bird will be featured on the pandal to encourage people to protect the species.

The total budget for this year's Durga Puja has been fixed at around ₹62 lakh, according to committee treasurer Aditya Kumar Jena.

Five Days of Rituals and Cultural Programmes

The celebrations will begin with Belbarani on Sasthi, followed by Chakshudaan on Saptami. Annabhog and Khichdi bhog will also be offered to Goddess Durga.

On Ashtami, prasad will be distributed among more than 4,000 devotees. On Navami, the committee will organise Kumari Puja involving nine girls. The rituals will conclude with the traditional budha kakudi bali on Dashami.

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From Sasthi evening to Dashami, the committee will organise melody and other cultural programmes for devotees.

Security Arrangements

To ensure safety, around 20 CCTV cameras will be installed at the puja pandal and nearby areas.

The Commissionerate Police will oversee crowd and traffic management. Around 150 puja committee members and 50 security personnel will also be deployed.

Train-Themed Immersion

Another major attraction is planned for the immersion procession. A life-size train replica made from plywood and other materials will travel along Janpath, creating the look of a railway station during the immersion procession.

Artists from Mayurbhanj and Berhampur will perform traditional musical instruments on the train-themed float, adding a cultural touch to the grand farewell procession of Maa Durga.