Bhubaneswar: Have you ever visited Gujarat’s Mani Mahal? If not, then come to Bhubaneswar this Puja.
The Nayapalli Puja Committee has brought a replica of the historical structure this year. The Durga Puja pandal in Nayapalli is a gigantic eye-catching one among others in the city that left the pandal-hoppers bedazzled.
Over 60-70 craftsmen from West Bengal took around two months to infuse life into the marvelous pandal, said a committee member.
“Mostly bamboo and foams were used to create the majestic structure. As many as 60-70 artisans had started the work over one and a half months ago. We expect a huge footfall this puja to catch a glimpse of the illuminating pandal,” he added.
Heavy crowd is expected on Mahastami, Navami and Dussehra day. Our volunteers are on their toes to cooperate with police for the smooth management of the festival.
Around 150 volunteers are engaged to manage the rush. For the safety of the revelers, we have installed 20 CCTV cameras at strategic locations in and around the pandal. Besides, police personnel have also kept a close watch on anti-social activities,” the organiser said.
The committee has made arrangements for ‘Prasad’ for all devotees and revelers on Mahastami. A musical night with only devotional songs will be organised on Mahastami followed by other cultural programmes on Navami and Dussehra, he informed.
The Committee will also organise ‘Ravan Podi Utsav’ on Vijaya Dasami as per government guidelines.
In Bhubaneswar, around 185 Puja Pandals have been set up this year, out of which only seven high-budget pandals attract the eyeballs.