Cuttack/Bhubaneswar, Oct 14: As the five-day Durga Puja celebrations concluded peacefully across Odisha, the idol immersion took place under tight security in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar on Monday.
Cuttack, a major hub for Durga Puja festivities, saw all routes leading to Devi Gada on the left embankment of the Kathajodi River bustling with activity as the immersion proceeded smoothly without any incidents.
This year, Bhubaneswar hosted 187 puja pandals, while Cuttack featured 170, said sources.
The clay idols of Maa Durga, accompanied by beautifully adorned tableaux, were paraded in grand processions to temporary ponds for immersion, all under the watchful eye of a significant police presence. Notably, procession participants in both cities chose to forgo vehicles for live music or DJs, adhering to an agreement with local authorities to maintain the mantra "No Liquor and No DJ" during the immersion. This decision encouraged organizers to embrace traditional music and dance, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
In Cuttack, over 120 idols are set to be immersed at Devigada, with lorries transporting the idols from various puja pandals to the Kathajodi River, accompanied by lively music and dance. To address the low water levels, three temporary ponds have been created along the riverbank, with pump sets on standby if needed.
Meanwhile, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has set up five large temporary ponds to facilitate a smooth immersion process—two near the Kuakhai River, two near the Daya River, and one close to the Sai Temple in Hanspal. Additionally, stringent security measures have been implemented by the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate Police, along with a traffic advisory to manage congestion.
