ARINDAM GANGULY, OP
Bhubaneswar: A circus-themed Durga Puja pandal showcasing the many acts and stages of human life is set to draw crowds at Old Station Bazaar.
Combining artistic flair, live performances and spiritual fervour, the Old Station Bazaar Sarbajanin Durga Puja Committee has chosen ‘Manushya Jiba na Gote Nataka’ as its central theme for 2026 celebrations.
The pandal, measuring 50 feet in height and 150 feet in width, will portray life as a circus, with its various stag es, emotions and experiences unfolding like acts on a grand stage.
From childhood and dreams to struggles and victories, the installation aims to encourage visitors to reflect on the different phases of human existence, with Goddess Durga envisioned as the divine witness to this journey.
More than 50 workers are working tirelessly to bring the concept to life, said association secretary Deepak Kumar Jena.
“Our objective is to showcase different aspects of human life to people through this theme.
More than 50 workers are working together to create the pandal.
Several live circus artistes will also perform during the festival, making the experience more engaging for visitors,” Jena said.
The inclusion of live circus artistes is expected to add to the festive atmosphere, bringing the theme beyond the pandal’s decorations and creating an immersive experience for devotees and visitors.
The committee has also planned elaborate ornaments for Goddess Durga.
The idol will be adorned with a silver medha, weighing around two quintals, along with gold ornaments weighing more than two kilograms.
Art director Subas Chandra Behera said the committee strives to introduce a distinctive concept every year.
The circus theme, he said, goes beyond elaborate decorations to tell a story about the complex ties and contrasting experiences of human existence. “Sometimes, life itself feels like a circus,” Behera said, explaining the thought behind this year’s concept.
Known for its distinctive gateways and elaborate artistic installations, the puja committee has established a reputation for innovative themes that draw City crown and beyond. In 2025, the committee celebrated its 70th year with a theme centred on the ‘Ashta Bhairava’.
Its elaborate gateway, measuring 160 feet in length and 40 feet in height, depicted Lord Shiva in his fierce form alongside Goddess Kali.
The pandal also featured intricate artwork inspired by Goddess Durga’s emotions and a mirror-like ceiling installation that reflected Bhubaneswar upside down.
With its circus-inspired concept, live performances and ornate decorations, the committee is looking to offer a distinctive blend of spectacle, spirituality and storytelling during the puja celebrations.
