Bhubaneswar: From towering idols and ornate pandals in Cuttack to extended celebrations in Talcher, Ganesh Puja brought the state alive with colour and festivities on Monday. Beyond the rituals, cities and towns across the state also held cultural programmes and community feasts as devotees gathered to celebrate the festival dedicated to the ‘Vighnaharta’ (Remover of Obstacles).The puja, which heralds the start of the festive season, also kept its traditional association with students and learning, with educational institutions joining neighbourhood committees in the celebrations. Across the districts, local traditions and contemporary themes gave the festival its own distinct flavour.In Cuttack, where Ganesh Puja is celebrated with considerable grandeur, one of the highlights was a 62-ft idol at Tinigharia, billed as the tallest in the city this year. Another trend was visible at several pandals — brass medha (decorations), emerging as an alternative to the traditional silver backdrops amid soaring prices.Chandi medhas have traditionally been an integral part of some Ganesh Puja celebrations in Cuttack. This year, brass medhas have made their presence felt at the pandals in Mali Sahi, Kathagada Sahi, Khatbin Sahi, Bajrakabati and Rausapatana. “At Shanti Nagar in Mali Sahi, we have used two quintals of brass to fashion the backdrop, which looks like a golden background,” said Shantimoy Behera, a member of the organising club. At Potapokhari, organisers have decorated a large Ganesh idol with nearly 100 small silver plates, while a pandal at Buxi Bazaar has taken a contemporary route with a Fifa World Cup-themed decoration.In Berhampur, large crowds were seen thronging Ganesh temples since morning. At Siddha Vinayak Peetha, a 21-kg laddoo has been prepared as an offering. It will be auctioned among devotees after the puja.In Balasore, more than 150 pandals hosted Ganesh Puja, showcasing different avatars of the Lord. More than 50 of these pandals have come up along Convent School Road. “Here, every puja club uniquely organises the festival, be it with cultural programmes or prasad,” said Nayan Mohanty, one of the organisers.While the festival is generally celebrated over five days in most parts of the state, celebrations at Talcher in Angul continue for 11 days, drawing visitors from across the district. More than 100 puja pandals have come up this year, with several theme-based installations lining the nearly 5km stretch from Badadanda Sahi to Handidhua. The festivities in Talcher also feature cultural troupes and musical groups from neighbouring states.In Sambalpur, Natraj Club is marking 51 years of its distinctive Ganesh Puja this year. Known for creating towering idols of Lord Ganesh from unusual materials, including pencils, syringes and fruits, the club has once again come up with a novel concept. “This year, we have fashioned a 22-ft idol as ‘Laddoo Gopal’,” said Pramod Rathi, an organiser. Close to 70 pandals have come up in Sambapur city.
