Bhubaneswar: The fast-growing fringe locality of Koradakanta tucked on the city’s south-eastern edge near Puri Bypass is quietly celebrating its 15th edition of Durga Puja with a blend of mythology, architecture, culture and community participation that is attracting thousands of visitors.Spread across an 80-ft-wide and 70-ft-high structure, this year’s pandal recreates an imaginative palace-temple complex inspired by Cambodia’s famed Banteay Srei shrine and the fictional Mahishmati Palace from the blockbuster film Baahubali. The theme symbolises the divine union of Shakti and Sundara.Around 50 artisans from Bengal and Assam spent nearly six weeks bringing the vision to life. Inside, visitors are being greeted by décor dedicated to Mother Nature, featuring earthy tones, floral installations and warm ambient lighting. The festive ambience extends beyond the pandal premises, with decorative lighting all around.“This year, we wanted to create something that combines mythology, heritage and artistic imagination. The idea is to give devotees a unique visual experience while retaining the spiritual essence of Durga Puja, giving birth to the theme,” said Prashant Jena, president of the organising committee.The 12-ft idol of goddess Durga, sculpted by craftsmen from Bhingarpur in Khurda, is installed against a 22-ft backdrop. The deity is adorned with silver ornaments, including a crown, necklaces and anklets. Religious rituals occupy a central place in the celebrations at Koradakanta.The puja commenced with holy water collected from major pilgrimage centres across Odisha and the sacred Agyan Mala from Maa Mangala Temple at Kakatpur. Special rituals such as Navapatrika Puja and Kumari Puja are conducted under the guidance of five priests. Devotees offered traditional bhog, including Dahipakhala on Navami.For many residents, however, the biggest attraction remains the committee’s long-standing tradition of Ravan Dahan. One of the few Durga Puja committees in Bhubaneswar to continue the practice, Koradakanta will burn a 65-ft-tall effigy of Ravana on Dussehra, accompanied by fireworks.“Ravan Dahan has become synonymous with Koradakanta Durgotsav. Families from different parts of the city come here specifically to watch the spectacle. We expect nearly 15,000 to 20,000 visitors during the festivities,” said Arun Jena, chief karta of the puja committee.The festivities will culminate with a traditional immersion procession in coordination with Saheed Nagar Bhasani Committee. Folk dancers, Katappa-themed performers, Ram-Hanuman tableaux and traditional musical bands will accompany the procession, ensuring that the community celebration ends on a colourful and cultural note.
