Discover the Rich Heritage of Cuttack's Durga Puja Through Raja Parija's New Book

A Tribute to Cuttack's Cultural Legacy

Cuttack: Raja Parija, an author, photographer, and administrator, has released a remarkable book titled ‘Durga Puja, the Silvery Touch of Cuttack.’ This work serves as a heartfelt homage to the Millennium City, where he was raised, fell in love, and established his career in feature writing while documenting Odisha’s vibrant traditions and culture.

Parija's dedication to research is evident in this coffee-table book, which illustrates how Cuttack's Durga Puja, deeply rooted in royal customs, temple rituals, and Shakta traditions, actually predates the more widely recognized Kolkata celebration.

The origins of Durga Puja in Cuttack can be traced back to the 13th century at Barabati Fort, where the goddess was likely revered as the royal deity. The tradition flourished as people entered the city through Gadagadia Ghat and exited via Puri Ghat. Historical documents pinpoint its existence to 1514 AD at the Binod Bihari–Balubazaar Puja Mandap, where Sri Chaitanya was a witness.

In 1916, the puja was initiated by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at his ancestral home, Janakinath Bhawan, in Odia Bazar, a tradition that continues today through the Durgabari Samiti.

Captivated by Cuttack's exquisite silver filigree, Parija conceived the idea for this book while working on a project about the craft in 2016, aiming to document the city's Durga Puja.

Founded in 989 AD, Cuttack has evolved over the centuries, yet Parija remains enchanted by its historical allure and is an active participant in the Cuttack Heritage Walks group.

He emphasizes that the most remarkable aspect of his city is its secular spirit, which has earned it the title of the 'city of brotherhood.' This enduring tolerance for diversity has attracted people from all over India, reflected in its crafts and culture, where various faiths intertwine, particularly evident in the Durga Puja decorations crafted by Muslim artisans.

Parija highlights that Odisha, recognized as a Shakti Peetha and a hub of Buddhist Tantric transformation since the 6th century, has celebrated Durga Puja in its current clay idol form since the 16th century, significantly earlier than Kolkata's 300-year-old tradition.

In Cuttack, the festival transcends mere devotion, becoming a significant economic event that generates substantial revenue and employment for numerous skilled and unskilled workers.

The Choudhury Bazar Puja Mandap introduced the first Chandi Medha (silver filigree tableau) in 1956, which has since become a major attraction, drawing visitors from both within and outside Odisha.

Currently, 34 pandals showcase these stunning silver creations, with 2–3 more expected to join this year. New Chandi Medhas are introduced almost every year, reaching heights of 20–25 feet and weighing between 1–6 quintals of pure silver.

In addition to the gold and silver filigree jewelry adorning the deities, these grand works of art highlight Odia craftsmanship, attracting tourists from across India and beyond.

Raja Parija dedicated nearly six years to documenting this volume, which involved extensive research through books and journals, visits to Odisha’s Shakti Peethas, and every Puja Mandap in Cuttack. He consulted with Puja committee members and explored filigree workshops to gain firsthand knowledge of Chandi Medha creation.

The most challenging aspect, he notes, was capturing photographs of the Chandi Medhas, which could only be taken on Shasti Puja day, as flowers and garlands obscure the intricate details once the Puja commences.