Preparations for Dussehra in Cuttack are underway with Puja Committees collecting holy soil from the banks of the Mahanadi and Katyodi rivers on the occasion of Nandotsav. As per tradition, members of the Puja Committees performed pujas on the riverbanks while chanting jhanj to collect the soil needed for making idols of Goddess Durga.
Key Highlights of Dussehra Preparations in Cuttack
- Soil Collection Tradition: Most Puja Mandapas in Cuttack collect soil on Nandotsav, while some do so on Radhastami.
- Rituals on Riverbanks: Puja Committee members collect soil from Mahanadi and Katyodi rivers after performing pujas.
- Dussehra Celebrations in Cuttack: Cuttack is known for its grand Dussehra celebrations, with at least 150 Puja Committees organizing festivities each year.