Bhubaneswar's Ganesh Puja 2025: A Festive Extravaganza with Eco-Friendly Themes
Celebrating Ganesh Puja in Bhubaneswar
By Arindam Ganguly
Bhubaneswar: The city is alive with excitement as Ganesh Puja 2025 kicks off on Wednesday, showcasing a blend of grandeur, creativity, and an emphasis on sustainability. More than 340 pandals have brightened the cityscape, with some reaching heights of over 60 feet, attracting thousands of devotees and visitors in the days ahead.
This year's celebration emphasizes eco-friendly themes, with thorough preparations by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Commissionerate Police to ensure a safe and vibrant atmosphere. A standout feature is the impressive 61-foot Ganesh idol located in Badagada, one of the tallest in the state this year. Crafted from environmentally friendly materials, it boasts silver feet and a silver Mooshika (mouse), merging tradition with contemporary artistry. The massive idol has already begun to attract large crowds ahead of the festivities.
Sanjay Sahu, chief coordinator of the Badagada Puja Committee, remarked, “Our artisans dedicated over a month, working tirelessly to bring this to life.”
In Saheed Nagar, two prominent pandals are also drawing significant attention. The Winner Association has created a 46-foot Ganesh idol seated on a magnificent elephant-drawn chariot, constructed entirely from non-toxic materials. The venue will feature cultural programs, prasad distribution, and devotional performances each evening.
Nearby, the Sahid Club is receiving accolades for its tribal-themed pandal, made from bamboo, palm leaves, and traditional tribal art. This design not only highlights Odisha’s indigenous culture but also promotes environmental awareness.
Other notable installations include the Tarang Club in Old Town, which has erected a 50-foot idol alongside cultural evenings, and the Akhandalamani Seva Sansad in Nuasahi, which has crafted the tallest idol in their area, focusing on themes of women's safety and road safety awareness.
Anjali Mishra, a city resident, noted, “Each neighborhood is contributing its unique artistic vision and social message, making Ganesh Puja in Bhubaneswar this year a cultural movement beyond just a religious event.”
The BMC has implemented strict guidelines for all puja committees, including a prohibition on single-use plastics, mandatory use of LED lighting, the construction of eco-friendly idols, and immersion only at designated artificial ponds to prevent water pollution.
Sanitation initiatives, emergency medical services, and mobile control units have been established throughout the city to manage the anticipated influx of visitors. The BMC has also initiated a program to collect floral waste from pandals for recycling into incense sticks.
The Commissionerate Police has established comprehensive security and crowd management measures, including a ban on high-decibel DJ performances and unauthorized lighting, with additional personnel stationed at key locations, immersion sites, and popular pandals. Real-time CCTV monitoring and rapid response teams have also been deployed.
Police officials stated, “We’ve prohibited high-decibel DJs and unsafe lighting setups. CCTV surveillance and quick-response teams are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration for everyone.”