By Rajendra Prasad Mohapatra

Bhubaneswar: As the festive season gathers momentum across Odisha, around 200 Odia Puja special magazines have hit the newsstands, keeping alive a cherished literary tradition that brings writers, publishers and readers together during Durga Puja.

From established media houses to independent literary publications, festive editions featuring short stories, novellas, essays and poetry have filled bookstalls in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and other parts of the state. For many Odia literature enthusiasts, collecting and reading these special issues remains an annual ritual rooted in nostalgia and a love for the language.

A Season of Anticipation

Renowned Odia storyteller Hiranmayee Mishra considers the Puja magazine season an important occasion for literary exploration. Despite competing entertainment options, she believes the continued publication of these editions encourages writers and readers alike. “Like every year, many Puja magazines have been published this year too. I usually buy 12 to 13 and read them throughout the year,” she said.

Mishra also welcomed the growing interest among young people in writing and reading, despite the distractions and uncertainties of contemporary life. “Amid so many distractions, unrest and conflict, it is heartening to see young people still turning to reading and writing,” she added.

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Bookstalls Witness Festive Rush

At Bhubaneswar’s Old Bus Stand, established outlets such as MaaNarayani Book Stall and the newer Time Pass book Cafe have become destinations for readers seeking the latest releases. BabulaBehera, proprietor of MaaNarayani Book Stall, said the flow of publications continued as the festive season progressed. “Currently, 70 magazines have arrived and another 40-50 are expected to arrive,” he said, identifying Sambad’s annual issue, Katha and Katha Kalika among the publications attracting buyers.

However, Behera acknowledged that the market has shrunk over the years, even though sales continued at a reasonable pace. “The market has reduced; it's not like before,” he said, reflecting on changing reading habits and the challenges facing traditional print publications.

Publishing Driven by Passion

Rising production costs and limited advertising support remain major concerns for publishers. Bandana Mishra, Editor of Teera Taranga, who has spent three decades in magazine publishing, said the disparity in advertising support between English and Odia publications added to the financial pressure. However, despite these hurdles, the emotional bond with the language kept the publishers going. “If we don't publish it, we feel unfulfilled, as though we have neglected our own child or family,” she said.

Quality Remains a Concern

Young storyteller SubratSenapati, who collects 10-12 special editions each season, welcomed the opportunities for emerging writers but flagged declining editorial standards. “Some magazines have many pages, but their quality seems to be declining,” he said.

Despite shrinking markets and concerns over quality, Odia Puja magazines continue to hold a special place in the state’s literary culture. Sustained by the passion of writers, publishers and readers, this festive tradition remains a celebration of the language and the written word. From established publications to independent journals, Odisha’s annual literary tradition celebrates creativity amid concerns over declining sales and content quality.