Khaira: Durga Puja is very popular in Balasore. Idols are worshipped in many streets and localities. Balasore is famous for its idols with localities trying to outshine each other by constructing attractive idols of goddess Durga. Indeed, the whole city comes to a standstill on Astami, Navami and Dashami which concludes with the burning of an effigy of the demon Ravana as people travel all over the city appreciating all idols put forth by the neighbourhoods.
Historians say Durga Puja in this town was started long back by Bengali people from West Bengal. Balasore district is very famous for its glorious history, art and culture and tradition. Most attractive and enjoyable game of “Akhada”, played during Durga Puja by Hindus, where they show various forms of martial arts.
This year due to rain, the decoration of pandals had delayed but now the organizers have hastened the preparations in the district.
The artisans are busy in giving final brushstrokes to idols. Meetings of various puja pandals committee members with administration have already conducted. This year both administration and puja committees have taken initiatives to ban plastic in Durga Puja pandals this year. This year Devi Durga will appear in more than 50 mandaps in the district.
Orissa POST presents a review of the Puja mandaps which have been of tremendous attraction for devotees.
Chakrasahi Puja Pandal: The puja mandap presents the rich tradition of 217 year old Durga puja culture in the district. According to folklores, then king of Balasore had donated Jamindari of 126 villages in Khairia block to some refugees of West Bengals in 1800 AC.
The head of the refugees Tikaram Chakrobati was collecting tax from the villagers. From the tax collected, he started Durga Puja in the area. Successors of West Bengal refugees have since been celebrating Durga Puja.
Gandibeda Puja Pandal: From 1947, devotees have been worshiping goddess Durga here in the puja pandal. The Mrunmayee Murti of Devi is decked up in fine jewellery. Honoring the meritorious is another feature of the pandal.
This year, the organisers have decided to make Paika Akhada and Gotipua Dance to attract devotees.
Khaira Puja Pandal: Durga Puja by Khairia Bazar Puja Committee in Khairia is a 120-year-old affair. Worship of goddess Durga was started by Britishers.
After the British left India, a committee was organized by the locals. Dance performance and melody tournaments will be the attraction of this puja session here.
Dungura Puja Pandal: Business man Naryana Chandra Banarji had started Durga Puja in the pandal in 1967. The committee members believe in ‘Service to Mankind is Service to God’. The committee members donated 50% of collected fund money for organization of puja to the poors.
Both Hindu and Muslims celebrate Puja in the pandal by showing communal harmony. This year the committee decided to donate money to the Fani-affected people of Odisha.
Patirajpur Puja Pandal: From 1961 at Patrajpur Melana Padia, the residents have been celebrating Durga Puja in the pandal. Sources said, farmers association had organised Puja by donating some funds from their loan money. ‘Sindurkhela’ is the main attraction of the puja pandal.
Kupari Puja Pandal: Puja in the pandal is a 50-year-old event. As the puja pandal is near Sarisua forest range, environmental-friendly puja is organised by the committee members.
