A Ganesh puja in Bhubaneswar. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 12: The busy streets of Rupali Square wore a colourful look on Sunday morning. Men and women decked in vibrant attires were seen flocking to the Maharastra Community Centre, adjacent to the Square, to celebrate one of their biggest festivals Ganesh Chaturthi and be a part of the idol immersion procession.

Rangolis and floral decorations caught the eyes of every devout at the Bhubaneswar Maharastra Mandal. Around 70 Marathi families in the capital congregated at the Adhibeshan Hall, to pay homage to the Lord and celebrate the festival with splendour and gaiety. “Previously we used to celebrate Ganesh festival at Joglekar’s house who is a member of the Marathi in Cuttack. Ever since we have established Maharastra Mandal in Bhubaneswar, we have been celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi here at Rupali Square. This is the 29th year of the celebration here,” said former president of Maharastra Mandal, C.V.S.R. Rao.

A quaint and homely function was arranged to celebrate the occasion. A magic show by P.N. Das kept the audience glued to their seats. Prachiti Sahasrabuddhe, a classical singer from the community, regaled the audience with her rendition. After few rounds of classical music, singer Nigme, had the audience’s foot tapping to some light and peppy music.

Governor of Orissa Muralidhar Chandrakant Bhandare also visited Maharashtra Mandal to pay his respect to the Lord. After offering his prayers, he felicitated some of the young and talented achievers of the community.

The award ceremony was followed by a lavish luncheon. The spread included some of the authentic and traditional Marathi dishes. Different varieties of pakoras, sabzi, puri, Marathi speciality kadhi, prepared from buttermilk, and sweet delicacies were a part of the menu.

Fanfare and festivity continued till the devout bid a goodbye to Lord Ganesha. Loud chants of Ganapati Bappa Moriya filled the air as the community marched towards the Puri Canal to immerse the deity.

“I eagerly look forward to these festivals since members of our community come together to arrange and enjoy the festival. Though we do not celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in a similar grandeur as seen in Maharastra, that does not lessen our devotion for the Lord,” said homemaker Prabha Kolaskar.