Preparations for the grand Durga Puja celebrations in Cuttack have entered full swing, with artisans and organisers working round the clock to meet deadlines.
Known as the Silver City, Cuttack is famous for its GI-tagged silver filigree backdrops that adorn the Durga Puja pandals every year.
Ground reports show clay work on idols has already started, and polishing of silver ornaments for Goddess Durga and her accompanying deities is underway. Construction of decorative arches and elaborate pandals has also begun, with artisans reporting no break in activity despite the tight schedule.
The district administration confirmed that the single-window system for granting No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to puja committees has been completed. This year, committees had to submit pandal layouts, safety verifications, and arch designs for approval before beginning construction.
Cuttack Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde issued a stern warning that pandals erected without NOCs or in violation of safety norms will face demolition and legal action.
“Any unauthorised constructions on public roads will be viewed seriously and dismantled. We have meticulously drafted SOPs for all pandals to follow, and I appeal to every committee to ensure compliance,” he said.
This year, more than 170 pandals are expected to celebrate Durga Puja in Cuttack. Organisers have agreed to comply with Orissa High Court directives and the administration’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering fire safety, crowd management, and structural stability.
Bikram Chhatoi, secretary of Haripur Puja Committee, said:
“We welcome every order by the Orissa HC that aims to streamline the festival and ensure uniform SOPs from decoration to crowd control. The silver filigree polishing is underway, and idol preparations will soon begin.”
The administration will now carry out ground inspections before issuing permanent approvals to pandals, ensuring a safe and organised festival when Cuttack transforms into a hub of devotion and cultural celebration.
