Durga Puja preparations in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack have entered their final phase, with more than 350 major puja committees working around the clock as civic agencies, police and fire services prepare to manage lakhs of visitors during the festival.
The twin cities are seeing a surge in activity at major puja locations. In Bhubaneswar, organisers are putting the finishing touches to theme-based pandals inspired by landmarks, religious sites and international architecture. In Cuttack, artisans are completing elaborate silver backdrops and decorative structures known as Chandi Medha, the centrepiece of the city’s celebrations.
Several Bhubaneswar committees are recreating destinations and architectural landmarks from India and abroad. One pandal draws inspiration from Dubai’s skyline and architecture, while another is planned as a tribute to victims of the flash floods that struck Nepal earlier this year. Other themes include the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand and an ancient Shiva shrine in Cambodia.
“Every year, we try to offer something unique to visitors. Apart from artistic excellence, many committees are also incorporating social messages through their themes,” said Sailendra Jena, a puja organiser.
The displays are being assembled as organisers race to complete structures, lighting and decorative installations before the main festive period begins. The preparations highlight the scale of the annual celebrations, which combine religious observance with temporary public installations, large visitor flows and extensive street-level activity across both cities.
Cuttack, widely regarded as Odisha’s Durga Puja capital, is expected to draw particular attention to its Chandi Medha tradition. Several puja committees are scheduled to unveil silver tableaux for the first time this year, adding to the number of major attractions visitors will seek to cover during the festival.
The expected visitor turnout has placed movement and safety at the centre of preparations. Civic agencies, police and fire services have begun arrangements to manage traffic, ensure crowd safety and facilitate the movement of devotees across major puja locations. The report did not provide details of specific diversions, deployment numbers or emergency routes.
The two cities’ preparations also point to the operational challenge of managing a festival spread across multiple neighbourhoods rather than a single venue. Theme pandals, silver tableaux, lighting installations and temporary gathering spaces will need to operate alongside regular urban movement and local activity. Authorities and organisers are continuing their preparations ahead of the festival, when visitors from across Odisha and neighbouring states are expected to arrive.
