By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, October 9, 2016 : Even as Durga Puja celebrations picked up pace in the twin city of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, rains have dampened the spirit among thousands of people who normal visit the specially erected pandals to seek blessings of Goddess Durga.

More than 300 major puja pandals and innumerable smaller ones in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar have come up with soothing designs and bright lights. Puja Committees in the twin city have made efforts to send social messages through their pandals.

Despite erratic rains due to formation of upper air cyclonic circulation over north-west of Bay of Bengal, people turned up to see the idols worshipped in the pandals made on a wide range of themes.

The police have tightened security in the twin cities to ensure an incident-free Dussehra. While police aid posts were set up at different places, patrolling also has been intensified. The Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and Striking Force have also been stationed.

To keep a close watch on anti-social elements, CCTV cameras have been installed at strategic points, including at the puja pandals. Surveillance is also being maintained in crowded market places, hotels, restaurants and malls.

Scores of people preferred for hassle free shopping in malls and enjoying delicacies at eateries across the twin city.

While Cuttack is famous for intricate silver works in the hood of idols, Sahid Nagar Durga Puja Committee has come up with a Chandi Medha using nearly 2.5 quintals of silver to build the structure. In Cuttack’s Khannagar area, Puja Committee has paid tributes to the Indian soldiers after attack on the Army camp in Uri.