By BANDANA SETHI, OP
Bhubaneswar: A striking blend of mythology, tribal narratives, artistic craftsmanship and traditional worship is set to define the 16th annual Durga Puja celebrations of the Jharpada Durga Puja Committee, which is preparing an elaborate pandal and a host of cultural attractions for devotees.
The centrepiece of this year’s celebrations will be an artistically designed en trance pavilion conceived by the committee, where Goddess Durga will be worshipped. The elaborate structure is being crafted by artisan Pratap Chandra Giri from West Bengal, along with a team of 50 associates, who have been working on the project for the past one-and-a-half months.
Bamboo, wooden blocks, plywood, fibre, sunpack sheets, thermocol and coloured glass are among the materials being used to bring the design to life, organisers said at a press conference here. Adding to the visual spectacle, the three main gates will showcase a fusion of mythological themes, contemporary concepts and tribal narratives.
LED displays and mechanical installations will lend movement and vibrancy to the designs, giving the pandal a distinctive character. While the decorations promise a visual treat, the committee will remain firmly rooted in tradition when it comes to worship. Goddess Durga will be worshipped according to Bengali customs and rituals.
The clay idol, being crafted by Kolkata-based sculptor Manas Ranjan Behera, will stand 12 ft tall and will be set against a 20-ft-high silver-coloured backdrop. The goddess will be adorned with a gold en crown and exquisite gold ornaments, while the accompanying deities will also be decked out in gold jewellery. The celebrations will also carry the familiar flavour of community feasting.
Devotees will be served khichdi bhog on Saptami, Navami and Dashami, while halwa bhog will be distributed on Ashtami. With a large gathering of devotees expected, the committee has drawn up extensive arrangements to ensure security and facilitate the smooth movement of visitors. The venue will have one entrance and two exit routes to regulate the flow of devotees.
Around 200 volunteers will work in coordination with the Commissionerate Police to manage crowds and maintain security, while 20 CCTV cameras will keep the premises under surveillance. Special arrangements will also be made for senior citizens and differently-abled persons to ensure that they can have a safe and convenient darshan of the goddess.
Beyond the religious festivities, a Meena Bazaar will add to the appeal of the celebrations, offering visitors opportunities for recreation and entertainment. The festive spirit will extend beyond the pandal, with cultural programmes scheduled from Shashthi to Dashami.
The celebrations will culminate in an elaborate immersion procession, as the goddess is accorded a ceremonial farewell accompanied by a lively mix of traditional and modern musical performances. Dulduli bands, lion bands, an Aghori group, illuminated drum bands and Sambalpuri musical ensembles will form part of the procession, promising a vibrant finale to the festivities.
The preparations and plans were shared at the press conference attended by committee convener Sridhar Jena, general secretary Dharanidhar Jena, Bhubaneswar-Central MLA Ananta Narayan Jena and vice president Pratap Mishra, along with other members of the committee.
With elaborate craftsmanship, traditional rituals, cultural performances and extensive crowd-management measures, the Jharpada Durga Puja Committee is preparing to make its 16th annual celebration a memorable occasion for devotees and visitors alike.