Devotees across Odisha are passionately engaged in the auspicious celebrations of Durga Puja, observing Maha Saptami Puja at pandals and simultaneously commencing Maha Ashtami rituals at major temples and shrines.

Maha Saptami, which marks the traditional descent of Goddess Durga to Earth, signifies the start of the most sacred phase of the festival. Across the state, local Puja Pandals are filled with celebratory fervor.

The day’s Saptami rituals include:

Maa’s Ghata Sthapana

Navapatrika Prabesha

Chakhyu Daan (offering of the eyes)

Praan Pratishtha (infusion of life into the idol)

These rituals, which follow the earlier Maha Shashthi ritual of Bilwa Barani (worshipping near the bel tree), invoke the Goddess in all her glory, with mandaps resonating with sacred chants as larger crow

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