Heavy rush of devotees was witnessed at all Puja Mandaps across the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack on the occasion of Mahastami on Sunday.
An ambience of devotion prevailed at all the Mandaps as devotees with flowers and Puja Thalis lined up before Devi Durga.
It may be noted that the Mahanabami was also observed at Devi Peeths (Goddesses’ temples) across the State on Sunday.
Durga Puja celebrations are at the peak in the twin cities and other towns and rural areas as well. Thousands of devotees throng Puja Mandaps particularly in the evening and night hours to have glimpses of the glittering high-cost tableaus erected at almost all Puja Mandaps in the capital city.
Colourful lights and shining tableaus at the Puja Mandaps at Rasulgarh Square, Nayapalli, Baramunda, Unit I, Saheed Nagar, Jharpada, Station Bazaar and Bomikhal have been major attractions. The rush is seen till 12 midnight at all these Mandaps.
Children and their parents, new and middle-aged couples and so-called lovebirds are seen taking selfies and photographs of the high-rise Mandaps, thanks to the advanced mobile technologies.
What adds to the entertainment of revellers is ‘Sangeet Sandhya’ programmes being presented by noted orchestra parties at major Puja Mandaps.
Heavy security measures have been put in place to control the crowds. Police officials and local youths are seen engaged at controlling traffic at the Jharpada Puja Mandap. Parking places have been separately arranged at all Puja Mandaps.
The Durga Puja celebrations would continue till Wednesday. The Mahanabami, Mahadashami and the immersion procession would be conducted on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.