Bhubaneswar: Devotees began gathering at decorated Durga Puja pandals across Odisha Saturday as Maha Saptami rituals got underway.
The rituals follow Shashthi Puja held Friday, when the traditional ‘Belabarani’ ceremony was performed to invite Goddess Durga to the puja mandaps.
On Maha Saptami, clay idols of Goddess Durga and sacred pots are installed as regular worship begins, drawing devotees to pandals across the state.
Elaborate lighting and towering gates have transformed streets and markets across the twin cities, adding to the festive spirit.




































