Odisha celebrates Maha Navami and Durga Puja festivities

The state of Odisha is observing Maha Navami and Vijayadashami as part of the Durga Puja festival. Devotees are gathering at both community-organized puja pandals and ancient Shakti Peethas to perform religious rituals.

In urban centers such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri, public pandals are hosting ceremonies including Chandi Path, Homa-Yajna, and Pushpanjali. In Cuttack, many mandaps are featuring elaborate silver filigree backdrops, known as Chandi Medhas.

Simultaneously, traditional rituals are being conducted at various Shakti Peethas, including Goddess Biraja in Jajpur and Kakatpur Mangala, following established temple customs. This year's celebrations include the worship of Goddess Siddhidatri, the ninth manifestation of Durga, and feature a convergence of the Ashtami and Navami lunar days.

Local authorities and police have implemented crowd management measures, including CCTV surveillance, barricaded queues, and traffic regulations, to ensure public safety during the high-footfall festivities.