Basanti Durga Puja in Cuttack : 7 Key Things to Know

Celebrated during the vibrant season of spring, Basanti Durga Puja in Cuttack is a spiritually rich and culturally significant festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. While most are familiar with the Sharadiya Durga Puja that takes place in autumn, this lesser-known version is deeply rooted in age-old traditions.

Here are seven essential facts about this unique celebration :

1. Celebrated in Spring:
Unlike the autumnal Sharadiya Durga Puja, the Basanti edition is observed during spring, which was traditionally the original time for Durga’s worship. This seasonal variation brings its own charm and significance to the festival.

2. Ancient Roots:
The practice of worshipping Durga during spring dates back to the legend of King Suratha, who is believed to have initiated this form of worship. This historical connection gives the festival a deep cultural resonance.

3. Traditional Rituals:
The festival commences with the sacred ‘Bela Barani’ ritual, where the wood apple tree (Bel) is venerated, symbolizing the start of the festivities. This is followed by Sasthi Puja, marking the arrival of the Goddess.

4. Diverse Forms of the Goddess:
In Cuttack, different puja mandaps showcase various avatars of Goddess Durga. For instance, the Mangalabag Puja Committee pays homage to the fierce Mahisasura Mardini form, while the Marwadi Club in Manik Ghose Bazar honors Goddess Vaishno Devi.

5. Community-Wide Participation:
This year, 18 different puja mandaps across Cuttack are enthusiastically participating in Basanti Durga Puja. The event reflects the collective spirit and religious fervor of the city’s residents.

6. Idol Immersions:
The festival concludes with grand immersion processions. In 2025, idols of Vaishno Devi and Sarpa Durga will be immersed on April 7, while other puja committees will perform their immersion rituals on April 8.

7. Cultural Festivity:
Beyond religious importance, the festival also serves as a celebration of art, culture, and social unity. The puja mandaps become centers of attraction, symbolizing Cuttack’s diverse and inclusive spirit.

Also Read: Discover the Enchanting Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in Odisha’s Nayagarh District

List of Puja Mandaps Celebrating Basanti Durga Puja in Cuttack (2025):

1. Station Bazaar

2. Ranihat

3. Ranihat Gopal Sahi

4. Mangalabag

5. Dargha Bazaar

6. Choudhury Bazaar

7. Bangali Sahi

8. Chandini Chowk

9. Bidanasi

10. Raja Bagicha Chatra Gada Sarbodayapur

11. Balu Bazaar

12. Balu Bazaar Bhagat Trust

13. Upper Telenga Bazaar

14. Marwadi Club

15. Machhua Bazaar

16. Sikharpur

17. Sutahat

18. Bangali Sahi Matha

From sacred rituals to colorful cultural displays, Basanti Durga Puja in Cuttack is a celebration of devotion, tradition, and togetherness — truly a festival to experience and cherish.

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