Bhubaneswar: Devotees in large numbers thronged puja pandals in Odisha on Tuesday on the occasion of Maha Ashtami.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik conveyed heartfelt greetings to the people of Odisha. “Warmest wishes to all on Maha Ashtami. May Maa Durga bring joy and prosperity to everyone’s lives,” CM Majhi shared on X.

Deputy CM Singh Deo posted on X, “Best wishes on Durga Ashtami. May the divine Mother Durga bless all with happiness, peace, and prosperity.”

In a video message, Naveen Patnaik extended Durga Puja and Dussehra greetings, highlighting the triumph of truth over falsehood. He encouraged people to seek Maa Durga’s blessings to bolster their resolve against injustice and oppression.

Maha Ashtami or Maha Durga Ashtami celebrates the slaying of demon Mahishasura by Goddess Durga. Devotees usually observe a strict fast and Astra Puja, a ceremonial veneration of the weapons and armaments employed by Goddess Durga to conquer the demon, is also worshipped on this day.

Pandal hopping in twin cities

The cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar have been witnessing the onset of pandal-hopping since Monday, marking the beginning of the festive season.

The Commissionerate Police has requested devotees are requested not to park their vehicles on flyovers or overbridges for taking photographs or videos of pandals and decorations. “Such practices cause serious traffic congestion, put other road users at risk, and may lead to accidents. We urge everyone to cooperate with the traffic police and use designated parking areas. Let us celebrate Durga Puja safely and responsibly,” it said.

Over 100 platoons of police force and over 800 officers along with STU and bomb detection and disposal squad are overseeing the arrangements in the twin cities to ensure a peaceful and incident-free Durga Puja. Drones have also been deployed to assess the realtime crowd flow and accordingly, share the information with the citizens through the radio stations.

Over 190 themed pandals adorned with vibrant lights, cultural evenings, intricate decorations, bustling Meena Bazaars and enticing food stalls have become major attractions in the state capital. The neighbouring Cuttack, which is renowned worldwide for its exquisite gold and silver filigree work adorning the goddess and the backdrop, is hosting 160 majestic theme-based pandals with beautifully crafted light gates.

Police personnel in plainclothes are also stationed in the cities to check crimes against women and incidents of snatching. All the pandals have been directed to install CCTV cameras to keep a close eye on anti-social elements.