Bhuabaneswar, Oct 17: Maha Saptami is being observed with religious fervour across Odisha, with special rituals underway at Devi shrines and Durga Puja pandals. Temples are reverberating with the chanting of Chandi Path as devotees gather to seek the blessings of the Goddess.

In Bolangir, Maa Samaleswari is giving darshan to devotees in her Maa Kalaratri form on the occasion of Maha Saptami. Devotees have been queuing since early morning to witness the Goddess in her divine appearance. During the nine days of Navratri, Maa Samaleswari is worshipped in the different forms of Navadurga.

Meanwhile, spectacular decorations and thematic pandals are attracting crowds across Bhubaneswar. The famous Bomikhal Puja Mandap has drawn attention with its impressive ‘Dubai City’ theme, recreating the grandeur of the desert metropolis in Odisha’s capital. The elaborate structure has become a major talking point, with visitors arriving to seek the Goddess’s blessings and admire the city-inspired decorations.

The Damana Puja Mandap is also attracting devotees with its grand and spiritually themed decorations, adding to the festive atmosphere in the capital.

Also Read:Durga Puja 2026: Koradakanta to showcase 80-foot Cambodia temple-style arch

The Ashok Nagar Durga Puja has a history dating back several decades. According to local residents, some people from West Bengal settled in Ashok Nagar in 1944 and began business activities. In 1963, the late Satyaranjan De and Dr Chandramohan Bhowmik, along with others, initiated the Durga Puja celebrations.

Over the years, the puja gained prominence. Rituals are performed according to the Bengali almanac, with priests and idol makers arriving from West Bengal. The committee has its own mandap, where a 12-foot idol of the Goddess is worshipped.

The rituals begin with Ghata Pratistha on Panchami, followed by the invocation of the Goddess on Shashthi. The main puja continues for four days, from Saptami to Dashami. The rituals and traditions differ in several ways from those followed during the typical Odia-style Durga Puja.