Bhubaneswar, Oct 13: The Koradakanta Durga Puja Committee is gearing up to celebrate its 15th Sharadiya Durga Puja with grand decorations, traditional rituals and cultural programmes. This year, the main attraction will be an 80-foot-high arch inspired by a Shaivite temple in Cambodia.

Around 40 artisans are working on the elaborate structure, which will measure approximately 80 feet in height and 70 feet in width.

The Cambodia temple-inspired arch is expected to draw devotees and visitors to the puja venue.

To illuminate the area, two tall electric gates will be installed, while decorative lights will brighten a stretch of around 700 metres, from the village embankment to the Jagannath Temple.

The elaborate lighting arrangements are expected to add to the festive atmosphere during the celebrations.

A 12-foot-tall clay idol of Maa Durga is being prepared for worship at the mandap. The Goddess will be adorned with silver ornaments, including a crown, necklace and anklets.

According to chief organiser Arun Jena, the puja rituals will begin after sacred water is collected from various pilgrimage sites and the committee receives the Agyanmala (ceremonial garland of consent) from Maa Mangala Temple in Kakatpur.

The rituals will be conducted by five Brahmins under the guidance of Pandit Kaushik Kumar.

The committee has planned a series of cultural events throughout the festival.

· Sasthi: Bhajan evening

· Saptami: Dance performances

· Ashtami: Felicitation of talented individuals and a colourful cultural programme

· Navami: Dance performances

· Dashami: Melody programme and Ravan Podi

The festivities will conclude with a traditional immersion procession featuring musical instruments and dance performances.

With its Cambodia-inspired temple arch, silver-adorned Durga idol, decorative lighting and cultural events, the 15th Koradakanta Durga Puja is expected to be a major attraction during the festive season in Bhubaneswar.