Bhubaneswar, Sept 22: With Sharadiya Durga Puja drawing closer, preparations have picked up pace across Bhubaneswar as puja committees race to create unique and grand Pandals for devotees.
The Nayapalli Durga Puja Samiti, known for its distinctive decorations and idol, has also begun preparations for this year’s celebrations. The committee is stepping into its 39th year and is preparing a special attraction for the people of the capital city.
Rome-inspired Pandal to be the main attraction
This year, Nayapalli Durga Puja Samiti is creating a Pandal inspired by Rome’s iconic architecture- Vatican City, aimed at offering visitors a different experience.
According to the committee, the Pandal will be eco-friendly and waste-free, with emphasis on Odisha’s traditional art and culture. It will be constructed using pollution-free materials.
The grand structure will be around 80 feet high and 125 feet wide. Around 30 Bengali artisans and 10 Odisha-based artisans have been working on the Pandal since Janmashtami.
The main stage will be around 21 feet high, while the clay idol of Maa Durga will stand at approximately 16 feet.
One of the major attractions will be the silver crowns and ornaments of Maa Durga and the accompanying deities, which are expected to add to the grandeur of the celebrations.
Traditional rituals and cultural programmes
The puja will feature Shodasha Puja and Navratri rituals at the Maa Durga shrine.
A range of cultural programmes will also be organised every evening for devotees, including Ramcharitmanas recitations, bhajan programmes and Ramlila performances. Melody and dance programmes along with other cultural events are also planned.
Arrangements will be made for prasad distribution, while a blood donation camp will also be organised as part of the celebrations.
Committee members Premananda Jena, Jagannath Behera, Naresh Kuanr, Pabitra Behera and Sanjay Mohanty shared details of the preparations.
Over 200 volunteers, 100 women volunteers for security
Keeping security in mind, more than 200 volunteers will be deployed during the celebrations. Over 100 women volunteers will specifically assist with the safety and security of women devotees.
The committee will also install more than 100 CCTV cameras and keep its own ambulance ready. Coordination with the police and traffic authorities will be maintained to ensure the celebrations conclude peacefully and smoothly.
Committee president Bishnu Behera said extensive arrangements are being made for the safety and convenience of devotees.
Traditional music to accompany immersion procession
The immersion procession will also retain a traditional flavour.
Around 20 tableaux are expected to assemble at the Nayapalli Melan Padia for a gathering and felicitation before the procession begins. The tableaux will proceed through CRP Square, DAV School Square and Ganganagar Square before the immersion journey concludes.
Maa Durga’s idols will subsequently be immersed in the Kuakhai and Daya rivers, accompanied by traditional musical instruments.
Committee secretary Prakash Chandra Behera said the immersion procession would focus on traditional music and a disciplined celebration.
Devotees urged to visit and seek Maa Durga’s blessings
The committee has made arrangements for devotees keeping their safety and convenience in mind.
Adviser Nabakishore Behera urged residents of Bhubaneswar to visit the puja mandap, seek Maa Durga’s blessings and enjoy the prasad and cultural programmes.
With the eco-friendly Rome-inspired Pandal, elaborate rituals, silver ornaments and cultural programmes, Nayapalli Durga Puja 2026 is set to offer devotees a blend of tradition, art and contemporary presentation.
