Bhubaneswar, Oct. 19 -- Durga Ashtami is being observed at various puja mandaps across Cuttack on Monday as large numbers of devotees are gathering to seek the blessings of Maa Durga. The mandaps have been decorated with colourful lights and attractive decorations for the festival.

While Navami Puja is being performed at the Shakti Peeths, Ashtami Puja is being observed at the mandaps. Special rituals are being conducted, and devotees are visiting different locations across the city to offer prayers.

At Bajrakbati Puja Mandap in Cuttack, Ashtami Puja began at 5.50 am and continued until 7.28 am. Devotees offered prayers and had darshan of the Goddess until 10 am.

Sandhi Puja was scheduled to be performed between 11.28 am and 11.52 am, ...