By Vikas Sharma

Cuttack: At a time when the use of high-decibel DJs and modern music during festivals is drawing attention, the Kazi Bazar Durga Puja Committee in Cuttack is turning to traditional musical instruments to celebrate this year’s festivities. The immersion procession will feature the traditional bell from Sakhigopal and the distinctive Singha Baja from Salepur, alongside longstanding religious customs, silver decorations and community celebrations.

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One of the major attractions this year will be an additional 10 kg of silver for the deity’s throne. The Kazi Bazar puja has a history spanning more than a century, while the worship of the clay idol began in 1971. The silver backdrop, introduced around 29 years ago, is regarded as the third silver tableau among Durga Puja installations in Cuttack.

The committee has earmarked a budget of Rs 7 lakh for the celebrations. The traditional Sindoor Khela, in which women participate on Vijayadashami, remains a major attraction of the puja.

The Goddess is worshipped according to Vaishnavite traditions. Traditional drums and the Jodi Mahuri will accompany the celebrations from Bilwamangal until Vijayadashami, preserving the musical customs associated with the festival.

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“We have opted for traditional musical instruments to curb noise pollution as well as promote our cultural identity this year,” said Subas Krishna Sarkar, President of the Committee. The Committee has also planned special religious offerings and community feasts. Around four quintals of laddus will be distributed on Maha Ashtami. From Maha Saptami to Maha Navami, cooked rice will be offered to the Goddess and subsequently distributed among approximately 500 devotees.

On Vijayadashami, arrangements will be made to serve dahipakhala to around 3,000 devotees. The immersion procession will be another major highlight, featuring the traditional bell from Sakhigopal and the Singha Baja from Salepur.

With its longstanding religious customs, silver decorations, traditional musical instruments and community offerings, the Kazi Bazar Durga Puja continues to be an important part of Cuttack’s festive calendar.