Bhubaneswar, Oct 10: With the arrival of autumn, preparations to welcome Maa Durga are in full swing across the capital city. Among the major attractions this year are the grand puja pandals at Baramunda and Ruchika Market, where elaborate decorations and traditional rituals are taking shape.

At the famous Baramunda Durga Puja pandal, organisers are constructing an imposing replica of the historic Kampilya Palace in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh.

The grand structure is being built at an estimated cost of ₹30–35 lakh. Around 40 skilled artisans from East Medinipur in West Bengal are working day and night to complete the pandal, which will stand 80 feet tall and 120 feet wide.

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Bamboo, thermocol, fabric and colourful decorative materials are being used to create the impressive structure. Around 80% of the pandal work has been completed.

Meanwhile, idol makers from Marshaghai in Kendrapara district are busy crafting the clay idol of Maa Durga, with the initial clay work nearly complete. The committee has also planned Ravan Podi and an attractive Meena Bazaar for visitors.

At the Sarbojanin Durga Puja Committee in Ruchika Market, preparations are also progressing with an estimated budget of ₹30–35 lakh.

One of the committee's distinctive features is that it does not force anyone to contribute donations. Instead, devotees voluntarily support the celebrations through devotion and service.

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The soil used to craft Maa Durga's idol has been brought from the Badamba-Narsinghpur region. According to local belief, using this sacred soil adds spiritual significance to the idol.

The pandal construction is now nearing completion, as devotees eagerly await the arrival of the Goddess.

With grand pandals, traditional worship and festive attractions, Bhubaneswar is gearing up for Durga Puja, celebrating the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.