Cuttack, Sept 18: Preparations for Durga Puja 2026 have begun across Cuttack, with various puja committees gearing up to celebrate the city’s biggest festival. Known for its intricate silver filigree medhas, Cuttack’s Durga Puja also attracts visitors with its elaborate pandals, lighting and cultural programmes.
Among the prominent puja committees, the Malgodown Puja Committee is preparing a grand attraction this year. The committee will recreate the grandeur of a Grand Palace of Rajasthan as its main pandal.
The foundation stone for the pandal was laid during Ganesh Puja, and construction work is expected to begin shortly. The structure will reportedly be around 55 feet high and 70 feet wide, giving it the appearance of a majestic royal palace.
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Jagatpur Artisans to Build the Pandal
Artisans from Jagatpur in Cuttack are working on the palace-themed pandal. With its spacious location, Malgodown has been creating different types of elaborate pandals every year, making the area a popular attraction during Cuttack’s Durga Puja celebrations.
This year, the Rajasthan-inspired palace is expected to be the committee’s major highlight.
Tunnel Lights to Add to Festive Grandeur
The committee is also focusing on elaborate illumination. Tunnel lights will be installed as part of the decoration to enhance the overall visual appeal of the puja venue.
The committee has reportedly allocated a budget of around Rs 40 lakh for this year’s celebrations, with approximately Rs 14-15 lakh expected to be spent on the pandal alone.
Traditional Music to Feature in Immersion Procession
Apart from the pandal and lighting arrangements, the committee has planned cultural and musical programmes, including a melody programme during the festivities.
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For the immersion procession, the committee plans to avoid DJ music and instead use bands and traditional musical instruments. As per the committee’s established ritual, the immersion of the Durga idol will be completed before sunset.
Cuttack has more than 150 Durga Puja committees, making the city’s celebrations one of Odisha’s most prominent festive and cultural events. With preparations now underway, the Rajasthan Grand Palace-themed pandal at Malgodown is expected to be one of the notable attractions of Cuttack Durga Puja 2026.
