Bhubaneswar: Odisha turned festive on Monday as devotees across the state celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi with religious fervour and enthusiasm, thronging temples and elaborately decorated puja pandals to offer prayers to Lord Ganesh.
From Bhubaneswar and Kataka to Puri, Sambalpur, Talcher and other towns, large idols of Lord Ganesh were installed at prominent junctions and community pandals. The celebrations added a vibrant festive atmosphere to cities and towns, with colourful decorations, illuminated gateways and devotional music drawing people throughout the day.
Several puja pandals in Bhubaneswar and other parts of the state were attractively decorated, with organisers putting up elaborate structures and lighting arrangements to mark the occasion. Devotees, including children and young people, visited the pandals in large numbers and participated in the festivities.
The celebrations began with special rituals and prayers, as devotees offered flowers, sweets and fruits to Lord Ganesh and sought his blessings for prosperity, success and well-being. Priests performed traditional pujas and chanted Vedic mantras, adding to the devotional atmosphere at various locations.
Cultural programmes and other devotional events were also organised at several pandals as part of the celebrations. Children and youngsters took an active part in the festivities, while community groups organised programmes to bring residents together.
Educational institutions also observed Ganesh Chaturthi with special prayers and cultural activities. Students participated in celebrations held on school and college campuses, adding a youthful dimension to the festival.
The festival, which marks the birth of Lord Ganesh, is celebrated across Odisha with growing participation from communities. Over the years, community celebrations have become a prominent feature of Ganesh Chaturthi in several urban and semi-urban areas of the state.
As the day progressed, devotees continued to visit the decorated pandals, while the festive atmosphere prevailed across Odisha.
