By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, October 8, 2019: Thousands of devotees thronged various puja pandals was celebrated with much pomp and grandeur across Odisha on Tuesday in different parts of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, despite showers in the afternoon.

Durga Puja festivities ended with the burning of gigantic effigies of demon king Ravan on Vijaya Dashami on Tuesday. The Durga Puja symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Vijaya Dashami is celebrated on the tenth day differently all across the country.

In the eastern and northeastern parts of the country, the festival celebrates Ma Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura, while in the north and central India, it stands for the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. The day also marks the victory of Pandavas over the Kauravas.

Massive security arrangements were put in place across several venues in twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar where effigies of demon king Ravan and his brothers were burnt. The Ravan Podi event was organised at four places in Bhubaneswar- Jharpada, Baramunda field, Nayapalli and Naharkanta.

The Commissionerate Police had also clamped traffic restrictions from 4 PM till 1 AM in view of the Ravana Podi festival. All the vehicles coming from Cuttack side were diverted from Jaydev Vihar to CRP square via Behera Sahi, Power House Chhak and Unit 8 DAV School towards Stewart School.

The vehicles from Khurda side to Bhubaneswar were diverted from Kolothia Chhak towards Chandaka via Jayadev Vatika, Kalinga Studio Chhak and Bharatpur Chhak.

Cultural programmes were organised at Baliyatra ground prior to the Ravan Podi event in Cuttack.

Apart from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, Ravan Podi events were also organised in different parts of the State while in some parts the event will extend till late tonight.