ARINDAM GANGULY, OP
Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar is all set to welcome Lord Ganesh as festive spirit grips the Bhubaneswar with giant idols, elaborately decorated pandals, themed entrance gates and cultural programmes expected to draw thousands of devotees.
Around 420 Ganesh Puja mandaps and medhas are expected to be set up in the City and adjoining areas this year. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Commissionerate Police have stepped up preparations to ensure safe, smooth and eco-friendly celebrations.
One of the biggest attractions this year will be a 71-foot-tall idol of Lord Ganesh at Jagamara New Road, organised by the Smart Youth Force.
A 25-foot idol of ‘Moosak Maharaj’ has also been installed at the venue. The organisers said they aim to make the celebration one of the major attractions.
The giant idol has been given a distinctive look, with its hands and feet adorned with silver, adding to its visual appeal.
A 65-foot-tall idol of Lord Ganesh will be adorned at Badagada Ganesh Mahotsav, organised by the Bright Star Youth Association and Badagada Village Ganesh Puja Committee, which has grown into one of the major festival attractions in City.
This year’s theme is inspired from Maharashtra’s famous Lalbaug Ganesh tradition and will feature special ornaments, including a diamond-studded crown, silver padukas and a silver ‘Mooshika Vahana’.
A specially woven garment prepared by Sonepur-based weaver Bhagwan Meher will also adorn the deity.
Organisers said natural colors and materials are being used for the giant idol as part of efforts to promote an eco-friendly celebration. A special 65kg laddu will be offered to the lord, while prasad will be distributed to thousands of devotees during the festival.
Another major attraction will be the 54th year Ganesh Puja celebration organised by Sahid Club in Saheed Nagar here. The club is creating a 65-ft-high and 85-ft-wide entrance gate based on the theme of the popular movie ‘Kantara’.
Artisans from Kolkata have been engaged to construct the massive torana, while a 14-ft idol of lord, adorned with silver ornaments is being given final touches.
Similarly, in Old Bhubaneswar area, preparations are in full swing for Ekamra Raja Mahotsav. Several other prominent puja committees in Rasulgarh, Jharpada, Nayapalli, VSS Nagar, Mancheswar, Chandrasekharpur, Patia and other parts of the City are all set to welcome the lord.
BMC Mayor Sulochana Das has appealed to puja committees and residents of the City to celebrate puja in a plastic-free and eco-friendly manner, putting an emphasis on cleanliness and responsible waste disposal.
Meanwhile, the Commissionerate Police has put elaborate security and traffic arrangements in place for the festival. Police have issued guidelines banning DJs and firecrackers during puja processions.
Only traditional musical instruments and controlled sound systems will be allowed, while cultural and musical programmes must conclude by 10 pm.
Idol immersion has been scheduled for September 16, 18 and 20. Organisers have been asked to avoid processions during peak traffic hours from 9am to 11am and 5:30pm to 8pm.
Commissionerate Police has appealed to puja committees and devotees to cooperate with authorities and strictly follow safety, traffic and noise-pollution guidelines to ensure peaceful celebrations.
