Bhubaneswar, Aug 27: With reverence, people across Bhubaneswar are celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival marked by devotion, and enthusiasm. Roads are bustling with energy, decorated with vibrant lights, and filled with festoons and arches leading to magnificent prayer pandals. Devotional atmosphere fills the city, with people fervently engaging in prayers.
In Bhubaneswar, there are over 340 pandals where devotees can pay homage to Lord Ganesh. The streets, from Rasulgarh to Khandagiri, Fire Station to Chandrasekharpur, and Saheed Nagar, are lined with festive decorations. Each pandal competes to present the tallest and most beautifully decorated idols. From creative gates to ornamental lights, people are not only showcasing artistic idols but also preparing for special offerings of laddoos.
This year, a towering 61-foot Ganesh idol will be displayed at Bargarh, the tallest in Bhubaneswar, while Saheed Nagar will feature a 46-foot idol. The massive Ganesh idols in Old Bhubaneswar attract a lot of attention and are a significant part of the city's celebrations.
Everywhere, both public and private spaces are adorned with colorful decorations. Cultural performances such as bhajans, classical dances, and melodious songs will entertain the crowd in the evenings. Many puja committees have invited renowned playback singers from Ollywood for the festivities. In addition to religious activities, some pandals are also hosting social initiatives like tree plantation and blood donation drives.
The city will observe heightened security measures throughout the celebration period. The Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police has already taken extensive steps to control crowd management, sound pollution, and ensure safety. Regular night patrols and restrictions on loudspeakers beyond 60 decibels will be enforced. Fireworks will also be banned for safety reasons. CCTV cameras are mandatory in all pandals, and strict action will be taken if any illegal collection is detected.
Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has urged organizers to adopt eco-friendly practices and avoid the use of plastic at pandals. The city's festive spirit is not just about devotion, but also about fostering a responsible and harmonious environment during the grand occasion.
