Bhubaneswar, Sept 19: The Odisha government is considering extending financial assistance to Durga Puja committees that have been organising Dussehra festivities for several decades across the state.

The Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department has instructed all district Collectors to provide details of Puja committees that have been celebrating Dussehra for 50 years or more.

In a letter addressed to Collectors, Department Secretary Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya stated that the government intends to support such long-standing committees, with the criteria for assistance to be finalised shortly.

In districts where no committees meet the 50-year benchmark, Collectors have been asked to furnish details of the two oldest Puja committees in their respective areas. The information is to be submitted within two days.

Officials said the initiative seeks to recognise and encourage the cultural heritage safeguarded by these age-old Durga Puja committees, which continue to play a vital role in preserving Odisha’s festive traditions.