Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced a plan to provide financial assistance to the oldest Durga Puja pandals in the state, helping them continue their traditional worship of the ‘Mrunmayee Murti’ of Goddess Durga during Dussehra. Following the Chief Minister’s instructions, the government will provide Rs 7 crore 1 lakh 40 thousand to 1085 Durga pandal committees.
The pandals will be categorised into three groups based on their historical significance, with financial assistance allocated accordingly. A total of Rs 2.17 crore will be provided to 215 historical Durga pandals, while Rs 1.47 crore will be given to 197 pandals that are at least 75 years old. Additionally, Rs 3.36 crore will be provided to 673 pandals that have been in existence for over 50 years.
This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to preserving the state’s cultural heritage and supporting its traditional festivities. The state government has also been supporting other cultural events, such as the Sahi Jata festival in Puri and the Dhanu Yatra in Bargarh.
