ARINDAM GANGULY, OP
Bhubaneswar: The Rasulgarh Durga Puja Management Committee, known for its spectacular celebrations and social initiatives, is entering its 33rd year with an innovative and visually striking theme. For 2025, the mandap will be decorated around the concept ‘Goddess Maa on the Hill’, offering visitors an immersive experience that highlights Odisha’s rich natural landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage.
The pandal will be designed to resemble a picturesque hilltop temple, featuring an open courtyard at its heart. Around it, visitors will find meticulously crafted representations of Odisha’s lush natural landscapes, including verdant paddy fields, dense forests, caves, and wildlife sanctuaries. The display will also showcase indigenous tribes and their cultural practices, creating a vivid tableau that celebrates the harmonious coexistence of nature and tradition.
For this grand setup, around 50 skilled craftsmen from Kolkata have been working since the beginning of the year to construct an enormous decorative arch measuring 80 feet in height and 120 feet in width. Built entirely with wood, plaster, and foam, the arch will serve as a majestic gateway to the pandal. To enhance the spectacle, five massive colourful light arrangements will illuminate the structure each evening.
Also Read: Weekly special train between Patna and Puri for Durga Puja rush
The idol of Goddess Durga, standing 22-ft tall and crafted with intricate detail, will be accompanied by idols of Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartik. Committee Secretary Sanjay Baliarsingh said that elaborate security and crowd management measures have been put in place. “This time, around 60 security staff along with 200 Puja Committee volunteers, 50 police personnel will be deployed. For public safety, 40 CCTV cameras and multiple barricading arrangements are being installed,” he informed.
The budget for this year’s celebrations has crossed `70 lakh, with significant allocations made for water supply, lighting, and safety measures. Adding to the festive fervour, a variety of cultural programmes will take place every evening throughout the celebrations. Maha Ashtami and Dashami will feature a star-studded show with performances by Bollywood and Hollywood artists, while audiences will be enthralled by folk dance displays, including the traditional horse dance, highlighting Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. With such meticulous planning, immersive decorations, and an innovative theme, the Rasulgarh Durga Puja Mandap is set to remain one of Bhubaneswar’s premier attractions during Durga Puja 2025, drawing lakhs of devotees and visitors from across the City and beyond.
