Bhubaneswar: As the city gears up for Durga Puja, two of its popular celebrations are standing out not just for their scale, but for the unique temple-inspired experiences they are offering devotees this year.
At Melana Ground, the Jharpada Durga Puja Samiti is celebrating its 16th edition on a sprawling five-acre space with a striking concept. The pandal, named “Jagat Janani Temple,” blends the grandeur of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya with the architectural elegance of Akshardham Temple.
“We wanted devotees to feel as if they are entering a real temple,” said samiti member and senior politician Jagannath Pradhan. The entire structure has been designed in a single colour palette to create that sacred atmosphere. Fully air-conditioned, the pandal aims to offer comfort along with devotion.
The ambitious project, planned four months in advance, has already cost around ₹1.7 crore, with the final amount expected to rise. Nearly 30 artisans from West Bengal, assisted by local Odia craftsmen, spent over one-and-a-half months bringing the massive structure to life.
Entertainment has also been given equal importance. Daily Bhajan Samaroh and musical evenings featuring popular singers and actors are lined up. Bollywood star Govinda and Indian Idol fame Jyotirmayee are among the special attractions expected to draw large crowds.
Around 500 volunteers are on duty to assist devotees, with special help for the elderly and differently-abled. Free prasad is being distributed to more than 15,000 people every day.
A short distance away, the Laxmi Sagar Durga Puja pandal is offering a completely different spiritual experience. Inspired by the Adiyogi Temple in Malaysia, the theme took shape after committee members visited the site last year and returned with photographs and ideas.
An artisan team from Bengal was engaged six months ago to recreate the distinctive look. Adding to the grandeur, all jewellery and weapons of Maa Durga have been crafted in pure silver with intricate artistic detailing.
The committee has arranged two dedicated parking lots and deployed more than 150 volunteers, including several women. With the pandal located beside a busy main road, special attention is being paid to traffic management and visitor safety. Multiple CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor the premises.
Together, the two pandals reflect how Durga Puja in Bhubaneswar continues to evolve — blending faith, creativity, comfort and spectacle into memorable festive experiences for thousands of devotees.
