Saheed Nagar Puja Pandal

The magnificent Swaminarayan Temple of New Delhi has been replicated at Saheed Nagar, which is 6 km away from Rasulgarh. The 70-ft high and 120-ft wide has been fashioned with intricate carvings done in thermocol, jute and ply by 40 sculptors of West Bengal at a cost of Rs 50 lakh. Yet another highlight here is the chandi medha (silver backdrop) that has been prepared for the Goddess this year to mark the 50th year of Durga Puja celebrations. As many as 25 filigree artisans from Cuttack have carved the backdrop using 2.5 quintals of pure silver. It has been decorated with pearls and semi-precious stones. The backdrop design includes 30 large peacock figurines and flowers, decorated with meenakari. It is 20 ft-high and 18 ft in width. The immersion ceremony of the Goddess is another highlight as idols of 25 puja committees of Bhubaneswar gather at Saheed Nagar for a 'Bandhu Milan' and then begins a colourful carnival in which, the idols are taken to the immersion venue.