The once-vibrant Devi Peethas and pandals of Kataka have fallen silent as the Millennium city bids a tearful, emotionally charged farewell to Goddess Durga.
The grand immersion ceremony, locally known as Bhasani, concluded smoothly and peacefully, with idols continuously immersed at the historic Devigada.
Accompanied by the rhythmic and traditional beats of conches, bells, madals, and dhols, the Mother Goddess was taken on a final procession through the city streets before heading to the riverbanks. Devotees, immersed in reverence, bid their final goodbyes to the Mahamayi.
To ensure the peaceful conduct of the massive procession, an extensive security blanket was thrown across the city. A total of 70 platoons of police force—including OSAP, SOG, and Quick Action Force units—were deployed. The security apparatus involved 40 DSPs, 55 Inspectors, 300 SIs and ASIs, 84 Havildars, 600 Constables, and 700 Home Guards.
Taking lessons from previous years, Rapid Action Force and CRPF jawans were specifically stationed from Buxi Bazar Square to Chowdhury Bazar. Additionally, 700 volunteers assisted with traffic management at major intersections and Puja pandals.
DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo closely monitored the arrangements, while Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh and Additional Police Commissioner Narasingha Bhol oversaw the overall law and order situation. QRT, QAT, bomb squads, and special squads remained on high alert for 24 hours. By late night, reports indicated that approximately 85 idols had been safely immersed.
Beyond the grand scale of the event, the highlight of the immersion was the vivid display of Kataka’s renowned “Bhaichara” (brotherhood). The term is not just an ornamental prefix for the Millennium City, but a lived reality that sends a powerful message across Odisha. People from Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Sikh communities came together to celebrate the festival. In a deeply heartwarming gesture near Dargha Bazar, members of the local Muslim community welcomed and felicitated the organizers and elders of various Puja committees.
This spirit of unity was equally visible on the political front. Dedicated felicitation stages hosted politicians from across the spectrum, where rival BJD, BJP, and Congress leaders were seen sharing space, exchanging greetings, and honoring one another. Rising above political ideologies and religious boundaries, the citizens of Kataka once again proved that mutual respect and communal harmony remain the city’s most cherished traditions.
