Even as torrential rain drenched Odisha on Navami, the festive fervour of Durga Puja remained undimmed. What began as a bright and cheerful morning turned grey by afternoon, as dark clouds swept across the skies, unleashing sudden downpours and gusty winds.

Yet, rain could not dampen the devotion of thousands who stepped out to seek the blessings of Maa Durga.

Showers Disrupt, But Not Devotion

Across several cities, the heavy showers disrupted puja festivities. In Cuttack, strong winds toppled a towering light gate near College Square, though no casualties were reported. In Rajabagicha, a portion of a pandal roof collapsed, injuring three devotees who were promptly rushed to hospital.

Elsewhere in Bhubaneswar and Khurda, intense rainfall caused waterlogging and traffic congestion, forc

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