Bhubaneswar, Oct. 16 -- Preparations for Durga Puja have gathered pace across Odisha, pandals are getting ready for Shashthi Puja on Friday. Decorative gates and lighting arrangements have transformed cities and markets as devotees prepare to welcome Goddess Durga.

The traditional rituals will begin at the pandals today. The Goddess is being worshipped at Shakti Peeths and other prominent shrines across the state.

The rituals at the pandals will begin with Shashthi Puja at the base of a bel tree. The Goddess will then be ceremonially invited into the pandals.

Holy water will be brought from rivers, and the eyes of the idols will be painted as part of the rituals. The regular worship of Goddess Durga will follow, marking the start of th...