Bhubaneswar, Oct. 18 -- The sacred Maha Ashtami Puja is being observed at various Shakti Peeths across Odisha on Sunday as devotees gather to seek the blessings of the presiding deities. At the Maa Sarala shrine in Jagatsinghpur, special rituals are being performed to mark the auspicious occasion.

Maha Ashtami also marks the final day of the sixteen-day festival, which began on Mula Ashtami. Maa Sarala will be adorned in her Mahisha Mardini besha, allowing devotees to witness the goddess in her divine form.

As part of the observances, Sandhi Puja will be performed at midnight at the shrine. During the ritual, 108 pots of pana will be offered to the goddess as part of the traditional offering.

A devotee visiting the temple said, "I have...