Durga Puja in Odisha

Durga Puja (ଦୁର୍ଗାପୂଜା) is one of the most celebrated festivals in Odisha, marking the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. While it shares similarities with Bengali traditions, Odia Durga Puja has its own unique flavors.

The 10-Day Festival

Durga Puja spans Navaratri (nine nights) culminating in Dussehra (Vijayadashami):

Unique Odia Traditions

Community Pandals

Every neighborhood (sahi) sets up elaborate pandals (temporary temples) featuring:

• ✦Creative themes (mythological, social, environmental)
• ✦Life-size Durga idols with Lakshmi, Saraswati, Karthik, and Ganesh
• ✦Artistic decorations competing for awards

Cuttack's Silver Filigree

Cuttack is famous for its silver filigree (Tarakasi) adorned Durga idols. These intricate silver decorations can weigh hundreds of kilograms and are a unique Odia specialty.

"Cuttack's silver-clad Durga idols are unlike anywhere else in India."

Bali (Sacrifice)

In some traditional households, animal sacrifice (Bali) is offered to the goddess, though this practice is declining.

Festival Activities

• ✦Pandal hopping — Visiting different Puja pandals
• ✦Bhog — Prasad distribution
• ✦Dhunuchi dance — Dancing with incense burners
• ✦Cultural programs — Music, dance, drama performances
• ✦Ravana Podi — Burning Ravana effigies on Dussehra

Special Foods

• ✦Khichudi — Rice and lentil dish
• ✦Dalma — Lentils with vegetables
• ✦Chhena-based sweets
• ✦Mutton curry (in non-vegetarian households)

The Immersion (Visarjan)

On Vijayadashami, the idols are immersed in rivers and water bodies. Major immersion processions take place at:

• ✦Bindu Sagar, Bhubaneswar
• ✦Kathajodi River, Cuttack
• ✦Mahanadi River

Where to Experience

• ✦Cuttack — Largest celebration with silver-adorned idols
• ✦Bhubaneswar — Modern pandals with themes
• ✦Rourkela — Grand celebrations
• ✦Sambalpur — Western Odisha style

Related: Odia Culture • Rath Yatra