MAHA SAPTAMI RITUALS PERFORMED WITH GREAT DEVOTION IN ODISHA
Bhubaneswar(21//10/2023): The rituals of Maha Saptami of goddess Durga began on Saturday with great devotion at various places in Odisha. The Nabapatrika Snana-O-Sthapana was performed in the morning. The Nabapatrika or the nine plants are symbolic representation of nine forms of Maa Durga. 'Chakhyudan' ritual of inviting the goddess to earth by drawing of eyes on the idol was performed. Today, Maha Saptami rituals are being performed at Mandaps while Mahashtami Puja is being observed at Peethas. The puja celebrations starts on Sasthi.
The face of the deity is unveiled this day as worshipers gather to witness the event in the mind blowing larger than life pandals across the country. In Bhubaneswar, the grand Durga Puja celebrations are taking place at 188 locations. Worshipers will be seen hopping pandals and seeking blessings from the deity.
One of the biggest pandals to visit this year are Bomikhal Durga Puja Committee which has depicted the Hastinapur theme.
Similarly, the Buddha temple of Thailand is the replica of the pandal erected by Baramunda Durga Puja Committee.
The Nayapalli Durga Puja Committee has designed it's pandal like Mani Mahal of Gujarat. The Jharpada Durga Puja pandal has been decorated like a Golden Palace. The Chandi Medha of Old Station Bazaar is another centre of attraction for the devotees.
The Badagada Durga Puja Committee has also put up massive pandal to attract visitors. The Saheed Nagar Durga Puja Samiti has planned to sell the Prasad to devotees apart from distributing it free for around 1000 people from Saptami onwards.
The Samiti will organise Bhajan programme to create a spiritual atmosphere. In Cuttack, Puja Committees including Ranihaat, Collage Square, Badambadi, Khan Nagar and Chaudhury Bazaar have also erected attractive gates and pandals.
