Bhubaneswar: Shree Ganesh puja was celebrated across the State amid religious fervour and enthusiasm.
Devotees took to pandal hopping in the city with vigour on Shree Ganesh Chaturthi, while several educational institutions were decked up on the occasion.
Around 50 dazzling puja marquees across the State Capital Bhubaneswar and Silver City Cuttack created a festive mood.
The Ganesh puja was also celebrated in a big way in Jatni, Berhampur, Bhadrakh, Balasore, Baripada, Keonjhar, Talcher and several other places in the state.
Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Legislative Assembly Naveen Patnaik visited community puja pandals and conveyed his best wishes to people on the occasion. He was greeted by the people at the Puja Pandals.
The Ganesh puja is held on the fourth day of the Sukla Pakshya in the Odia month of Bhadraba, when the people worship Lord Ganesh as ‘Bighna Binasak’ (Destroyer Of All Obstacles) and pray for prosperity.
In the Silver City Cuttack, idols were made up of eco-friendly materials and would be immersed in Rivers of Kathjodi and Mahanadi.
The immersion procession will be completely free from noise and liquor consumption as per the guidelines of the Twin City Police.
The Commissioner Of Police has also asked the puja committees to install CCTV cameras in and around the marquees and deploy volunteers.