Durga Puja concludes with ‘sindoor khela’ & Ravan Podi

Bhubaneswar: The Durga Puja festivities culminated in grand Vijaya Dashami celebrations across Odisha on Wednesday, with thousands of devotees thronging pandals, taking part in rituals and witnessing traditional ‘Ravan Podi’ ceremonies. In Bhubaneswar, Ravan Podi was organised at at least seven major puja mandaps, including Patia and Baramunda, drawing large crowds eager to watch the burning of effigies of the demon king, along with Kumbhakarna and Meghnad, and the accompanying fireworks.

Prakash Jena, adviser to Patia Durga Puja Committee, said Ravan Podi was organised there after a gap of a decade. President of Baramunda Durga Puja Committee, Ram Chandra Ransingh, said they have been organising Ravan Podi every year, and this time too, thousands gathered to witness the fireworks.

Cultural programmes also drew youngsters through the evening but fireworks remained the biggest crowd-puller during the Ravan Podi.“I never miss Ravan Podi and the spectacular fireworks on the Baramunda Durga Puja ground,” said Chinmay Patnaik, a resident of Khandagiri. Earlier in the day, devotees turned out in large numbers to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga before the idols were taken for immersion.

Meanwhile, the Bengali community participated in ‘Sindur Khela’, a traditional ritual observed by married women, at several puja mandaps in Bhubaneswar, Rourkela and Sambalpur.“Since the idol immersion will take place on Friday, we came again to offer prayers,” said Simran Padhiary, a resident of Patia. Bhubaneswar, which hosts more than 350 Durga Pujas, is preparing for immersion processions over the next two days.

Most idols will be immersed in makeshift ponds along Kuakhai riverbank. Around 16 puja committees are scheduled to assemble on Nayapalli Durga Puja ground before proceeding for immersion, while several others will congregate on Saheed Nagar Durga Puja ground.

Police personnel and fire services officials have been deployed at various venues to ensure safety of visitors. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bhubaneswar | Silver Rate in Bhubaneswar | Bank Holidays in Bhubaneswar | Public Holidays in Bhubaneswar | Petrol Price in Bhubaneswar | Diesel Price in Bhubaneswar | CNG Price in Bhubaneswar | LPG Price in Bhubaneswar Stay updated with the latest Bhubaneswar news.

Key quotes

• “I never miss Ravan Podi and the spectacular fireworks on the Baramunda Durga Puja ground,”

• “Since the idol immersion will take place on Friday, we came again to offer prayers,”