Preparations for Durga Puja are underway in Cuttack, Odisha, with festivities beginning on September 28 and culminating in the Bhasani Shobha Yatra on October 3. However, the Odisha High Court has imposed restrictions on the celebrations to minimize noise pollution and ensure public safety.
Key Restrictions by the High Court
- Noise Pollution: Use of noise-polluting instruments and arrows banned; only four sound boxes allowed during Rastra Puja.
- Gate Construction: Construction of electric gates prohibited; arches on roads not allowed.
- Gate Permissions: Specific conditions for gate construction; Cuttack District Magistrate to inform puja committees in the Dussehra prep meeting.
- Effective Period: Restrictions effective from Ganesh Puja till end of Bali Yatra.
Cuttack's Durga Puja is known for its stunning 'Chandi Medhas' or filigree decorations, often made with contributions from artisans of different communities.