Cuttack Durga Puja Committee to Recreate Varanasi’s Swarved Mahamandir

Cuttack, Odisha: The Khannagar-Khapuria Shilpanchal Puja Committee is preparing a 60-foot-high and 50-foot-wide welcome arch inspired by Varanasi’s Swarved Mahamandir Dham for this year’s Durga Puja celebrations. The structure is being built by Hanuman Decorator of Padmapur at an estimated cost of ₹20 lakh, with 30–40 artisans involved. Around 80% of the work has been completed, and the arch is expected to be ready by October 16.

The committee is also preparing an eight-foot-tall idol of Goddess Durga, sculpted by Surendra Behera and his team. The overall festival budget is ₹40 lakh. On October 17 (Sashti), visitors will receive 10,000 saplings of fruit-bearing and neem trees. Cultural programmes featuring renowned artists are also planned over five days.

The committee’s Durga Puja tradition dates back to 1952, while worship of Goddess Durga began in 1962. Known for its creative welcome arches, the committee has previously showcased themes inspired by the Jagannath Temple, Vaishno Devi, Akshardham, Kedarnath and other prominent landmarks.