Bhubaneswar, Oct 21: Special Dussehra rituals are being performed at Durga Puja pandals across Bhubaneswar, with vehicle puja emerging as a major attraction on Wednesday.

Long queues of vehicles, including cars, bikes, auto-rickshaws and buses, were seen outside temples since morning. Devotees washed their vehicles, decorated them with flower garlands and offered prayers before Maa Durga.

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Vijayadashami symbolises victory and is traditionally associated with the worship of weapons and tools. In modern times, vehicles have become an important source of livelihood and a means of family transportation and safety.

Devotees perform vehicle puja on this auspicious day, seeking the Goddess's blessings for protection from accidents, safe journeys and prosperity throughout the year.

According to popular belief, worshipping vehicles with Aparajita flowers on Vijayadashami helps ward off dangers and misfortunes.