Bhubaneswar: Preparations for Durga Puja have gathered pace across Odisha as pandals are getting ready for Shashthi Puja on Friday. Decorative gates and lighting arrangements have transformed cities and markets as devotees prepare to welcome Goddess Durga.
The traditional rituals will begin at the pandals today. The Goddess is being worshipped at Shakti Peeths and other prominent shrines across the state.
The rituals at the pandals will begin with Shashthi Puja at the base of a bel tree. The Goddess will then be ceremonially invited into the pandals.
Holy water will be brought from rivers, and the eyes of the idols will be painted as part of the rituals. The regular worship of Goddess Durga will follow, marking the start of the traditional puja rituals at the pandals.
With the ceremonies beginning on Friday, devotees have started visiting pandals across Odisha. Organisers have completed arrangements for the rituals and are preparing to receive visitors during the festive period.
Mahasaptami Rituals at Devi Peethas
While Shashthi Puja is being performed at pandals, Mahasaptami Puja is being observed today at Shakti Peethas and other prominent shrines. On Saturday, Mahasaptami rituals will be performed at the pandals, where the clay idols of Goddess Durga and the sacred pots will be installed.
The celebrations have brought activity to towns and cities across Odisha. Decorative gates and lights are adding to the festive setting as the state marks the annual worship of Goddess Durga.